NFL Prop Shop: Super Bowl Betting on the Ravens
by Bovada Sportsbook Staff | Jan. 31, 2013
By what linebacker Ray Lewis would consider “divine intervention,” the Baltimore Ravens are in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers.
You’ve probably checked every scenario involving the -4 spread so instead we’re focusing on the meat and potatoes of Super Bowl Sunday – NFL Props. Yesterday, we checked off the most interesting props involving the 49ers; today it’s time for Lewis and the Ravens.
The Bovada Sportsbook created enough Ray Lewis props – deer -antler spray excluded – to make this entire section about him. However he won’t be playing in the Super Bowl alone, so we dug up our favorite Props involving Lewis and Baltimore’s other household players.
Interesting Ravens Prop Bets for Super Bowl XLVll
Total Interceptions – Joe Flacco
Over 1/2 (-165)
Under 1/2 (+134)
Over is definitely favored for a reason here. Flacco and the Ravens are playing the 49ers, a team that has at least one interception in five straight games. What makes the under enticing is +134 odds and the fact that Flacco hasn’t thrown a pick since Week 15 of the regular season. Joe “Cool” is locked in; if you have confidence in a Ravens, win the under is the way to go.
Total Receptions – Anquan Boldin
Over 4 1/2 (-155)
Under 4 1/2 (+125)
It’s well documented that the 49ers defense is big, hard-hitting and fundamentally sound. Getting open isn’t the issue for Ravens receivers, it’s holding onto the ball when LB Patrick Willis comes screaming after it.
The Ravens are equipped with one receiver who can take the 49ers hits, catch the ball and keep on fighting for YAC (yards after the catch): Boldin. With the build of a tight end at wide receiver, Boldin has the tools to make the 49ers pay in the secondary. It helps that he’s been on fire in the playoffs, averaging 5.3 receptions per game. That number falls right in line with the over.
CROSS SPORT MATCHUPS – What will be higher?
Steve Nash Assists Feb. 3 vs Detroit
+1/2 (+115)
Baltimore Ravens first half points Super Bowl XLVII
-1/2 (-145)
Judging by the Los Angeles Lakers’ current box scores, the Ravens will have to be nearly shutout by the 49ers in the first half to lose this wager.
Nash, usually among the NBA’s assist leaders, has seen a steep decline in his passing numbers with the Lakers playing better team basketball. The veteran point guard hasn’t topped five dimes in four games, and we believe he’d have to reach at least seven to beat the Ravens on Sunday. Kobe Bryant has to return to his shoot-first mentality to give Nash the win.
HISTORICAL MATCHUPS – Who will have more Tackles and Assists in the game?
Ray Lewis Tackles and Assists Super Bowl XXXV (5)
+6 (-115)
Ray Lewis Tackles and Assists Super Bowl XLVII
-6 (-115)
When Lewis reached Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens he was unquestionably the best defender in football. So it comes as a bit of a shock that oddsmakers gave young Lewis an extra six tackles and assists versus old, mechanical arm Lewis. However check the box score; Lewis was MVP in that Super Bowl, but only recorded five tackles with zero assists.
In these playoffs alone Lewis is averaging 14.6 tackles and assists per game. So barring injury, or a complete 360 in his effort, old man Lewis is in line to beat his younger self.
Entertainment Props
SUPER BOWL XLVII SPECIALS – How long will it take Alicia Keys to sing the US National Anthem?
Over 2 minutes 10 seconds
EVEN
Under 2 minutes 10 seconds
-140
This wager has bettors and sportsbooks glued to TV screens, stop watches in hand, during every Super Bowl. Over is currently favored and for good reason. According to Keys she’s been rehearsing the anthem “like crazy” because it’s brand new in the style that she’s delivering it. That sounds like an over-the-top song to us.
