LAS VEGAS — Early betting patterns for the Super Bowl show a split among gamblers. Many fans supporting the Philadelphia Eagles are favoring the money line, finding it to be a more appealing option than the traditional point spread. Meanwhile, those who back the Kansas City Chiefs largely lean towards covering a line that generally sits at 1.5 points, indicating a belief that Kansas City will not only secure a victory but also outperform the spread.
“I anticipate that overall more bets will be placed on the Eagles, but it will likely be quite close to an even split,” remarked Christian Cipollini, sports trading manager at BetMGM and a self-proclaimed Eagles enthusiast. “I doubt we will see either team garner more than 60% of the bets.”
The game, set for February 9 in New Orleans, marks Kansas City’s attempt to claim a remarkable third consecutive Super Bowl championship. Notably, this is the first occasion during their recent Super Bowl journey where the Chiefs are favored. In previous championship games during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, they were also favored but ended up splitting those outcomes.
Johnny Avello, the director of race and sports operations at DraftKings, emphasized that past performances do not play a significant role in establishing the point spread. “It’s primarily about the power ratings,” Avello explained. “The Chiefs hold a slight edge over the Eagles based on that measure.”
Professional analysts have taken notice of the Chiefs’ knack for close wins; despite encountering a streak of seven games where they didn’t cover the spread, they managed to win six of those contests. This has led some seasoned bettors, who typically rely on statistics alone, to consider aspects beyond just the numbers.
Bruce Marshall, a handicapper at CBS SportsLine, stated that while he recognizes the Eagles’ potential for victory, the Chiefs’ ability to consistently find ways to triumph cannot be overlooked. “Sometimes the results speak louder than the process behind them. That’s what’s guiding me towards backing the Chiefs. (Patrick) Mahomes has a significant influence on the game’s dynamics.” His ability to perform in critical moments, particularly in the fourth quarter, adds to Kansas City’s allure.
Cipollini added that there is a prevalent sentiment around the Chiefs’ “black magic,” where bettors believe Kansas City is simply fated to win, which could increase betting activity on their side. However, he admits to a personal bias, believing in the Eagles’ superiority.
While Mahomes is favored to earn the MVP title, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is drawing significant attention as well. Cipollini noted that for the first time he can recall, the leading betting candidates for Super Bowl MVP are not quarterbacks. Alongside Barkley, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is attracting considerable betting interest, bolstered by a notable $25,000 wager. Currently, Barkley is priced at +240 at BetMGM, closely trailing Mahomes, who is listed at +105. Comparatively, DraftKings lists Barkley at +260 and Mahomes at +120, with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts featured at +375 and +350, respectively.
Avello pointed out the rarity of having non-quarterbacks leading the MVP betting. “Typically, the quarterback is the focal point of a team’s strength, but that’s not the case here.”
Proposition betting related to the Super Bowl continues to gain popularity, prompting sportsbooks to enhance their offerings annually. This year is expected to follow suit, with Cipollini anticipating around 1,500 prop betting choices available at BetMGM. The abundance of options allows sharp bettors the opportunity to identify potential weak spots. “It could be something as niche as rushing yards in the fourth quarter,” Cipollini elaborated, noting how the two-week lead-up to the game gives gamblers ample time for research.
Marshall typically steers clear of prop bets but suggests those who are serious should concentrate on a select few they are confident in. “Every year, I see individuals placing bets on 15-20 different props. It often leads to overs on everything—yards, catches, tackles, touchdowns,” he said.
Lastly, the influence of pop star Taylor Swift on the betting landscape is notable. DraftKings previously incorporated her chart-topping hits into proposition bets during the last Super Bowl. With Swift set to support her boyfriend Kelce at this year’s event, additional props are expected to emerge soon. “She’s undoubtedly attracted new fans to the sport,” Avello noted. “Her presence at the game tends to draw a crowd, and those viewers often engage in betting.”
