After a tempestuous, controversy-ridden, surprise-laden online NFL betting season, those looking to bet on Super Bowl lines can finally let out a sigh of relief as the Big Game is finally here.
On Sunday, February 5th, all eyes in the Super Bowl betting community will turn towards the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots as they face off at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
The Patriots came into the season with some of the best odds of winning this year’s Super Bowl and their arrival proves that sportsbook’s favoritism of New England was not misguided. Then again, picking the Patriots is about the safest prediction one could make.
On the other hand, only Atlanta fans could have anticipated the Falcons’ punching their ticket to Super Bowl LI, and even then the majority thought it was more of a distant dream rather than a legitimate reality. Nevertheless, the NFC South has competed in the NFL’s title game for two consecutive years now as Atlanta tries to win its first ever Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The Super Bowl betting differences between these two teams couldn’t be more evident. It’s been just two short years since the Patriots won the Super Bowl, and Tom Brady has more Super Bowl experience than any other quarterback in NFL history. The Falcons have only been to the Big Game one other time, way back in 1998. Nevertheless, Atlanta is coming in as one of the hottest teams we’ve seen in recent years.
There’s little doubt that history will play a big part in how things will unfold this upcoming Sunday. Rather, the score will be determined by the individual efforts of certain players on either team. It might be difficult to determine which team is more talented, and for some insight into the intricacies of Super Bowl betting we turn to the odds.
ONLINE NFL BETTING ODDS – SUPER BOWL LI – Sunday, February 5th
New England Patriots -3 (-105) 58½ (-110) -154
Atlanta Falcons +3 (-115) 58½ (-110) +134
Considering the Patriots’ extensive Super Bowl experience, seeing the bookmakers come out in New England’s is no bombshell. The Patriots, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady in particular, have a very rare opportunity for setting several NFL records. There’s no doubt that this has been the Patriots dynasty and the history books will live to tell the tale of how New England was both the best team of the 2000-20’s and the most hated team of that era.
With both teams sporting such talent at the skill positions, this year’s Super Bowl will be a huge turnaround from the bore we were treated to last season. The Falcons will rely on Matt Ryan who has been phenomenal all season long and even more deadly in the postseason. With Julio Jones, inarguably the best receiver in the game, as his favorite target and a Pro Bowl running back in Devonta Freeman to help take the load of Ryan’s shoulders, the Falcons will certainly come out and score a large amount of points this Sunday.
The Patriots will rely on Joe Montana-esque Tom Brady to do what he does best; remain calm and collected, deliver championship drives, and add another Super Bowl ring to an already crowded hand. New England comes into this year’s title game as online NFL betting efforts thanks to Julian Edelman, one of the most underrated receivers in the game, and LaGarrette Blount, one of the most versatile running backs in pro football.
It’s often said that defense wins championships. This Sunday, that sentiment will be proved right once again as whichever defense is able to more successfully stop the other team will certainly walk off the field as winners.
