The best Super Bowl LIII prop bets

After a controversial conclusion to the NFC championship where arguably the Rams best player rarely saw the field, they return to the Super Bowl stage for the first time since 2001. Coincidentally, their opponent 18 years ago was a Tom Brady-led Patriots squad that won Super Bowl XXXVI that year and four more Lombardi Trophies over the past two decades. 

After opening as a 1-point underdog for a brief moment, the Patriots are now 3-point favorites over Los Angeles with the Rams' moneyline +125 (Risk: $100 to win $125) and point total of 57. Many will drop down some dollars on who they think will win, but the most enjoyable part of wagering on the final game of the NFL season taking a chance on all the wacky prop bets on the board — starting with the big game's opening act.

Odds: Over 1:47 (-160) | Under 1:47 (+120)

"I am here to give the anthem back its voice," Gladys Knight said recently.

This sounds like a passionate rendition is on the horizon. It appears oddsmakers agree, as bettors would have to wager $160 for a chance to win $100 if the anthem goes longer than 1 minutes and 47 seconds. Plus, inside Atlanta's domed, climate-controlled stadium, it won't be too cold or too hot, giving a singer a reason to speed through the lyrics. Take your time, Gladys.

The bet: OVER

Odds: Bill (-115) | Sean (-115)

This prop does depend somewhat on who receives  the ball first. If the Rams start on offense, there's little doubt in my mind that Sean McVay — coaching in his first Super Bowl at 33 years old — will have the cameras pointed in his direction. Plus, if we're being honest, his youthful exuberance and looks make for better eye candy than Bill Belichick's grumpy-old-man-in-a-hoodie demeanor. In other words, CBS cameras and directors will do their best to put the more aesthetically pleasing coach on your television first.

The bet: McVay

Odds: Run (-145) | Pass (+115)

In their previous two playoff games, the Rams went RUSH-PASS on their first offensive play, while the Patriots went PASS-RUSH to start. If the Rams receive the ball first, I definitely see coach McVay taking a pass-play shot off a play-action fake. He's going deep to try and set a tone. With coach Belichick, he may play it a little conservative considering how well rookie running back Sony Michel has performed this postseason. With so much juice (risk $145 to win $100) on the "run" prop bet, I'm going against the grain on this one.

The bet: Pass

Odds: Patriots (-125) | Rams (-105)

The Patriots ranked second in the NFL in average points per game in the first quarter this season at 6.1 PP1stQ, while the Rams were right behind them at 6.0 PP1stQ. However, over their past three games, New England's PP1stQ average has jumped to a league-best 9.3, while Los Angeles has dipped to 5.7. Tom Brady and a good portion of the Patriots roster have been here before, while Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and others will need to work through some early-game jitters before finding their rhythm. I'll take that experience to the bank.

The bet: Patriots

Odds: Yes (EVEN) | No (-130)

One day Rob Gronkowski will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but the veteran tight end's best days are well behind him. Gronk scored only three touchdowns during the regular season, with his last coming on Dec. 9. His body is banged up and bruised, and many think win or lose this will be his final game. It would be a fitting tribute for Brady to find Gronkowski in the end zone one more time. However, while the Rams allowed the second-most receiving yards to opposing tight ends, those players caught only five touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. Los Angeles has allowed just two touchdowns to an opposing tight ends over its past seven games.

The bet: No

Odds: Yes (-115) | No (-115)

Do not adjust your screens: That's Mr. Cooks with the Patriots, scoring a touchdown, just last season . The speedy receiver scored seven times for New England during his one-and-done tour of 2017-18 before the Pats traded him to the Rams. Could this be his quintessential "revenge game" on the biggest stage? Here's the problem: Cooks has scored just two touchdowns over his past NINE games, and both of those came against a weak 49ers defense in a throw-away Week 17 contest. Jared Goff is targeting him plenty, but odds are he doesn't find the end zone this Sunday.

The bet: No

Odds: Black (-160) | Any other color (+120)

Classic wacky prop bet. After reviewing dozens of shirts worn by Adam on his hit television talent show, Maroon 5's lead singer does prefer black shirts seven to eight times out of 10. He does mix in some reds and blues along with white tops that include some sort of pattern. The upside to invest in Levine wearing a black shirt to start the show is limited with $160 wagers only bringing back $100, should he don black. This halftime show is a party, and you don't wear black to a party. Go against the grain on this one.

The bet: any other color

Odds: Over 72.5 (-105) | Under 72.5 (-125)

When healthy, Todd Gurley is the Rams most talented and versatile offensive weapon — FULL STOP. So why did Gurley carry the ball only four times for 10 yards in the NFC championship game against the Saints? Hmmm. Keep in mind, Gurley missed the final two weeks of the regular season with a nagging knee injury that occurred back in September. There's no reason to basically bench your best player in the biggest game of the year unless he's hurt. What you'll likely see happen is shortly after the season ends, the Rams will announce Gurley needs surgery, to fix something, that would have been performed earlier had Los Angeles not be on the cusp of a Super Bowl win.

The bet: UNDER

Odds: Over 3.5 (+110) | Under 3.5 (-140)

Chris Hogan's 2018 stat projections took a serious hit when the Patriots traded for Josh Gordon. Now that Gordon is gone, Hogan's role has been expanded. He's averaged four to five receptions on seven to eight targets per game over the past three. He's scored one touchdown over his past 15 games for those thinking he's well past due without Gordon active. It's possible that Rams' top cornerback Aqib Talib shadows Julian Edelman, but if he doesn't, Hogan could have a tough day at the office. Regardless, coach Belichick likes moving his chess pieces around, and while Edelman will eat well, don't be surprised to see Hogan have a big game against the Rams.

The bet: OVER

Odds: James White (+235) | C.J. Anderson (-295)

Notice how this prop bet isn't Sony Michel vs. Todd Gurley? I repeat, Gurley isn't healthy. James White has rushed for more than 44 yards ONCE this season. While Anderson will likely split carries with Gurley this Sunday, there's no reason to think the stocky running back can't gobble up more RUSH yards than the pass-catching tailback White.

The bet: C.J. Anderson

Odds: Julian Edelman (-160) | Robert Woods (+130)

Edelman has averaged 86.4 receiving yards per game over his past 11 contests. Woods is averaging 65.4 during the same stretch. However, Edelman has averaged 123.5 RYPG in two postseason games, while Woods has averaged 51 RYPG. This prop bet is all about who covers Edelman. If Aqib Talib follows him no matter where he is on the field, Edelman's and Woods' receiving totals will be competitive. However, if Edelman is lined up against any of the Rams other defensive backs, he's going to exploit their weaknesses. Because of how the Rams splinter their touches and targets among four to five different players, Woods' upside is limited in this prop bet too.

The bet: Edelman

Odds: Over 1.5 (+160) | Under 1.5 (-200)

If we're talking from opening kickoff to final whistles, I'm hammering the UNDER as she gets one or fewer camera shots during the game. If we're talking from opening whistle until CBS goes off the air, the OVER would hit. Be sure to get clarity on this before making any decisions. Parse the prop bet!

The bet: UNDER

Odds: Yes (+200) | No (-260)

When Tony Romo's broadcast tone turns giddy, there's no telling what he'll say. Romo is quickly becoming the dorky dad who loves to use slang to get in where he fits in, and that includes at least one mention of "Hotlanta" during the game broadcast. He'll also refer to Tom Brady as the "GOAT" — greatest of all time — at least once.

The bet: Yes

Favorites: Brady (+125) | Goff (+250) | Gurley (+1000) 

Who you pick as Super Bowl MVP has a lot to do with which team you think will win the game. If you think the Patriots are going to win, Brady's +125 futures odds to win MVP leave little to be desired, as there isn't much meat on that bone. I'm leaning to back his favorite target, Julian Edelman. With two huge playoff performances this January, I look for the former collegiate quarterback to run some great routes and give Brady the security blanket target he needs on Sunday night. With +2,000 futures, a $100 wager would return $2,000 should Edelman be named Most Valuable Player.

My pick: Edelman (+2,000)

Odds: Patriots (-145) | Rams (+125)

It's boring. It's cliche. It's also the right pick. Not only will the New England Patriots win Super Bowl 53, but they'll also cover the 3-point spread. Sean McVay and the Rams are on the verge of winning their own Lombardi Trophy, but their defense needs work and is a weakness Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will exploit for 60 minutes this Sunday.

The bet: Patriots