Super Betting
Feb 9th, 2010 by Admin
As the big game approaches this Sunday, loyal sports betters are gearing up for all the action. With the Super Bowl being the biggest NFL game, by far, and the world’s largest contact sport spectacle, people are watching the pregame perhaps more intently than they’ll be watching the actual Indy vs. New Orleans action. Injury reports are read with reverence and weather forecasts are held as prophetic. And it’s not so much about the sport on the field as it is what’s being played in every betting shop and booth and site from sea to shining sea: the point spread.
The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints offer more than the #1 and #2 offenses in the league. These teams bring more to the table than an MVP quarterback and a Heisman Trophy-winning running back. This game of games is a chance for some lucky betters to tackle the spread and take home a large chunk of change.
For this particular matchup, the spread has Indy at -5, making New Orleans the underdog. Simply put, this means odds makers expect Indianapolis to win the game by at least a touchdown; however, the action number is 5: the spread. This leaves Indy needing at least a 6-point victory to cover, and leaves the Saints needing to come within 4 to beat it. 5 is a push.
With such prolific offenses on the field, this is perhaps one of the trickiest point spreads to ever rear its ugly and unpredictable head for the Super Bowl. On one hand, you have Peyton Manning and a thousand screaming reasons to never bet against him. On the other hand, Drew Brees and his assortment of weapons could actually – and quite easily – take Indy out in a route. The -5 number may seem friendly, but be cautious before placing a bet. Book makers want action on both sides, lest there’s no profit to be had. For this game, you have to look at what’s not on the field as opposed to what’s on it.
It’s always wise to slow down, check out your surroundings and get a feel of what you’re doing before you place money on anything. It doesn’t matter if you play at best online casinos and get dealt an 11 in blackjack or if you’re given a set and Roger Federer in the first round of Wimbledon. Assess the situation and act accordingly. Winners aren’t gamblers - they are betting artists.
Take a careful look at this game – at any game – and make sure you have an idea of what’s going on. For starters, both of these teams bring offense a-plenty. But they’re also both dome teams, meaning they rarely have to contend with bad-weather fields. A mucky field could bring on the running game, and with Jones and Bush, New Orleans has an advantage that would demolish the spread. A bad field also gives Colts d-end Dwight Freeney a lot to contend with due to his torn ankle ligament. These are the real reasons old men sit and talk about the weather.
However, the weather is set to be wine and roses, and the field should be in tip-top shape. This allows Manning to comfortably step up into the pocket, knowing his o-line has traction and his route runners can work. And when you have the greatest QB in the league picking you apart, it’s hard to win.
None of that means Indianapolis will cover the spread. But if the weather holds true, Freeney plays and Peyton has time to throw the football, taking action on the favorite isn’t the worst thing to do in this Super Bowl. 
