The sports betting action has shifted the odds about three points since the first numbers dropped for Super Bowl LVII. The Kansas City Chiefs opened as 1 ½-point favorites after they were able to fight off the Cincinnati Bengals, but wagers poured in on the Philadelphia Eagles’ side, bringing the line to Philadelphia -1 ½ or 2, depending on which book you’re looking at. Both conferences have sent their top seeds to this year’s Super Bowl, and it should be a contest that comes right down to the wire. As you think about how to manage your wagering for the game, with props beyond the main two or three, don’t miss some of our expert advice.
NFL News: Betting Advice for Super Bowl LVII
→ First Half Point Spread: Philadelphia -0.5
If you look back at Kansas City’s postseason past, when they have prevailed, they have generally had to struggle from behind. Early big leads tend to go away, but more often than not, the Chiefs start behind the eight-ball and then find their way back into the game. This was true against Cincinnati last week, and it was true during the runs to Super Bowls LIV and LV. The Eagles have a terrific ground game; last week, they ran for 148 yards against the NFL’s top rushing defense when they routed San Francisco. It is true that the Eagles did not do much in the passing game, as Jalen Hurts continues to recover from a Week 15 shoulder injury. Even so, I see the Eagles getting the early rhythm going, scoring one or two touchdowns on extended drives, and going into the locker room with a slim lead.
→ Full Game Moneyline: Kansas City +105
Patrick Mahomes has had his best year as a starting quarterback this season, setting a personal best with 5,240 regular season passing yards, and he was tops in the league in passing touchdowns with 41, passing yards per game (308.8) and touchdown percentage (6.3). This comes in the team’s first season without star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The team did add Marques Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster and still had Travis Kelce, but Mahomes’ ability to adjust to life without his top receiver was still impressive. Tailback Isiah Pacheco has given the team an improved running game as well. If Smith-Schuster (knee) can return, along with Mecole Hardman (pelvis) and Kadarius Toney (ankle), then the Chiefs’ offense should be able to find room against Philadelphia – despite the Eagles’ solid pass rush. Once they start finding room, they should be able to come back and take the win in the second half.
→ Point Total: OVER 47.5 (-155)
The current point spread sits at 50.5, but if you are willing to buy three points, then the “over” becomes an even easier choice. The Chiefs led the NFL in scoring this season during the regular season, and they have put up 50 points in their two playoff games. Philadelphia posted the third-highest point total during the regular season despite losing Jalen Hurts for Weeks 16 and 17 and playing a conservative game against the Giants in Week 18. In their two playoff games, the Eagles have put up 69 combined points. I don’t expect either offense to turn this game into a track meet, as the Philadelphia defense ranked #8 in points permitted and has allowed just 14 points in the last two weeks. The Chiefs have a solid pass rush led by Chris Jones and managed to shut down the Bengals last week. However, if L’Jarius Snead or Willie Gay has to miss the Super Bowl, that makes more room for the Eagles to run pass routes – which likely means more passing attempts for Mahomes – which should lead to more points. Making the slight investment to buy down the point total could pay off nicely.
NFL Betting Odds
Love betting NFL football? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date NFL lines
