Breaking down Super Bowl XLIV props

Part of the excitement of Super Bowl is betting on props. Some are fairly normal and straightforward, while others are wacky and out of left field—like one involving the NBA’s Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Here’s a look at a few props available at Bodog Sports worth playing this weekend and which way NFL betting fans should lean.

Team to commit the first penalty
Saints -140
Colts +110

The Colts ranked second in the NFL for fewest penalties this season at 4.6 per game. New Orleans tended to take an extra penalty per outing, ranking 20th at 5.6 per game. More importantly, this will be the first Super Bowl for many of the Saints, whereas the Colts have been there, done that—and Peyton Manning has a calming presence at the helm. Expect New Orleans to draw the first flag.

Total fumbles lost by both teams
Over 1.5 fumbles +115
Under 1.5 fumbles -145

The Colts and Saints have already combined for six fumbles during the postseason, losing one each. Both defenses have also been incredibly good at knocking the ball loose during the postseason, combining for 12 forced fumbles and six recoveries. With butter fingers like Reggie Bush and Joseph Addai in the mix, it’s a good bet we’ll sweet a couple of recoveries on Sunday.

Most rushing yards
Pierre Thomas +14.5 (-115)
Joseph Addai -14.5 (-115)

Thomas and Addai were very even in yards per game this season, but Thomas certainly showed more big-play ability at 5.4 yards per carry (compared to Addai’s 3.8). More importantly, the Saints are much more likely to attack Indy with the run than vice versa. The Colts featured the league’s worst rushing attack while New Orleans finished sixth. Thomas should get more opportunities than Addai, against a poor run defense no less. He’s a good bet to get the extra 15 yards he needs.

Most receiving yards
Robert Meachem +13.5 (-115)
Austin Collie -13.5 (-115)

This one is a gimmie in Collie’s favour. Meachem is capable of the big play, which could throw a wrench in things, but Collie is quickly becoming one of Manning’s most-reliable targets. He’s caught 11 passes for 175 yards during the postseason. Meachem, who’s banged up, has snagged two for 19 yards. Considering the Saints will run the football and have less targets overall, Meachem shouldn’t expect many looks—or yards.

Who will score more points on Feb. 6
LeBron James and Kobe Bryant -1.5 (-145)
Saints and Colts +1.5 (+115)

There’s some good underdog value here in the Super Bowl contenders. Kobe is averaging 29.7 points per game this season, but he’s been erratic in the New Year and averaged just 23.7 points per game in January. He also tweaked his ankle on Wednesday and managed just five points in 36 minutes of action. LeBron (29.3 PPG this season) has taken on more of passing role lately and is averaging just 22 points per game compared to 12.5 assists over his last four outings. New Orleans and Indianapolis, meanwhile, have combined to average 63 points per game in the playoffs and 57.9 in the regular season. Bet on the Colts and Saints to top the basketball stars this weekend.