They called Art Manteris crazy when he posted the first-ever Super Bowl prop. In a way, he was; the Caesars Palace bookmaker laid 20/1 odds that Chicago Bears DT William “The Refrigerator” Perry would score a touchdown at Super Bowl XX. Hungry bettors drove the line down to 2/1; after Perry reached the end zone, Caesars was on the hook for $120,000.
It was worth it. Super Bowl prop betting has done big business ever since, and as the list keeps growing, the subject matter strays further away from the Big Game itself. Here are the eight craziest props on the board for Super Bowl LI; many of these offerings have become familiar over the years, but some are specific to what’s happening in the world today. All Super Bowl odds listed below are current at press time.
1. How long will it take Luke Bryan to sing the US National Anthem?
This year’s total is 2:09, with the over at –110 and the under –130. Bryan needed about 2:30 to sing the Anthem at US Bank Stadium last August.
2. If the Patriots win, will Brady, Belichick, or Kraft be seen shaking Roger Goodell's hand on TV?
Yes is favored at –400. There’s bad blood between the commissioner and the team over Deflategate, but is it enough to forgo the traditional handshake?
3. Who will the Super Bowl MVP mention first after he is presented with the trophy?
“Team/Teammates” has taken the lead at +150. Patriots QB Tom Brady did this two years ago. God is second at +250.
4. What color will the liquid be that is poured on the head coach of the winning team?
There doesn’t seem to be any particular pattern to the color of the “Gatorade shower” celebration. Clear/Water, Yellow, and Orange are each tied at +300.
5. How many times will Gisele Bündchen be shown on TV during live broadcast?
Bündchen is a Brazilian supermodel and Tom Brady’s wife, but once may be enough; the total is pegged at 1.5, with the under favored at –250.
6. How many times will Donald Trump tweet during the game?
POTUS stands for “Perpetually On Twitter in the United States.” The over is a –200 chalk on the total of 1.5.
7. What color will Lady Gaga's hair be when she starts her half time show?
You never know with Ms. Germanotta, but she’s usually blonde, which is favored over the field at –300.
8. How many times will "deflate" or "deflategate" be said on TV during live broadcast?
What started as a pick’em on the total of 1.5 has shifted to favor the over (–130). Two years ago, NBC’s Al Michaels said “Deflategate deflategate deflategate deflategate. Four. You won the over.” Too bad they’re on FOX for Super Bowl 51 this Sunday; kick-off is at 6:30 PM ET.
*Odds as of February 3, 2017