MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 5/15)
Josh Gross
Another weekend, another couple of NFL playoff games taken down to the wire in exciting fashion. After trailing by 18 points early in the second quarter, quarterback Joe Burrow, with help from the Bengals’ inspired defensive play, led his squad all the way back to a victory against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. On the other hand, the Rams were down by 10 heading into the fourth quarter, until Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp willed the Rams to a victory and Sean McVay’s second Super Bowl appearance as a head coach.
The odds are already set for what is expected to be an electric Super Bowl. It features two quarterbacks both drafted first overall in their draft classes playing in their first Super Bowls. Let’s break down the opening odds for Super Bowl 56 and take a look at where to place action on the big game, along with my best bet.
Super Bowl 56 Opening Odds: Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams
| Team | Spread | Total |
| Los Angeles Rams | -4 | O 50 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | +4 | U 50 |
Odds: <a href="
“>DraftKings Sportsbook
My initial reaction looking at the opening odds is that Vegas has it right. The Rams have a more talented roster from top to bottom, the better head coach and the better quarterback. This is Sean McVay’s second Super Bowl as a coach, and it will certainly be nice that he does not have to face Bill Belichick on the other side this time. However, as a bettor, the value lies with Cincinnati. Though I believe the Bengals are inferior to the Rams, it’s not like this is a pros vs. joes type of matchup. The Bengals play with fire, physicality, smarts and have the better special teams unit of the two teams. In a game that is slated to end close to a field goal, I lean toward taking the four points, as well as the Bengals moneyline, and I expect the number to close at 3.
How to Bet on Super Bowl 56
Betting on Super Bowl 56 is simple for bettors in a state with legal sports betting. Make sure to utilize all of the promotional offerings and odds available at different sportsbooks to maximize your edge as a bettor.
- Sign up at a sportsbook using FTN’s promotional links
- Make your first deposit
- Place a bet on Super Bowl 56
- Have fun and enjoy the game
Super Bowl 56 Betting Picks
- Bengals +4, DraftKings Sportsbook
- Over 49.5, DraftKings Sportsbook
- Bengals +165, Caesars Sportsbook
As I mentioned above, I am siding with Burrow to do something never done before in NFL History – win the Super Bowl in his second season in the NFL after being the No. 1 overall pick. Playing it safely, I recommend taking the Bengals +4 points, but, all things considered, I will also be taking the Bengals moneyline.
While I expect Aaron Donald and Von Miller to wreak havoc on the porous Bengals offensive line, I am more enamored by Burrow’s toughness and poise under pressure. For the Bengals, having two weeks off will benefit their banged-up defensive line, which I expect to slow down Cam Akers and the run game as well as put pressure on Stafford. I anticipate this game coming down to one of the first-time Super Bowl starting quarterbacks’ ability to limit mistakes. After seeing both Stafford and Burrow play this postseason, I believe Stafford is more likely to make a crucial mistake.
We have also seen Matt Gay miss easy kicks in both the NFC Divisonal and Championship game, while Bengals rookie placekicker Evan McPherson has not missed a single attempt this postseason. In a game with no margin for error, I am more comfortable betting on the more confident kicker. As for the over, even if Gay missed a kick or an extra point, I do not see an issue going over this number. Both teams are explosive on offense and have holes in their secondaries. I see an explosion of points for both sides and a game that comes down to which kicker can ice the game in the clutch, and which quarterback keeps the ball safe.
