Superbowl XLIV: Betting Preview

Superbowl | selectabet | February 4, 2010 at 9:22 pm

New Orleans Saints v Indianapolis Colts

There’s few bigger worldwide sporting audiences than the annual Superbowl extravaganza, in fact over 100 milllion are expected to take in the 44th contest from Miami on Sunday and it’s one of the biggest betting events of in the US calendar. So where’s the smart going this weekend?

First, a bit of background; Both teams topped their respective conferences en route to the big one and for the first time since 1993 it means that the top two seeds will contest the season finale. The Saints’ season was built on a 13-game winning run but it ended disappointingly with a three game losing streak. Similarly after playing 13 weeks in the regular season, the Colts were second in points allowed, they then took their foot off the pedal down the stretch as well and finished eighth.

For the Saints this represents their first ever Superbowl appearance and it marks a remarkable recovery for the city which was battered by Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. The Saints’ Louisiana Superdome offered shelter in desperate times and there are a few grid iron fans in America who would begrudge the citizens of New Orleans the crowning glory on Sunday.

If you’re looking for omens though then look no further than the fact the Colts return to the stadium where they last won the Superbowl in 2007. Much of that team is still intact and the familiarity of the team hotel, practice fields and Superbowl schedule will offer them some kind of marginal advantage.

The Colts are overwhelming favourites at just 1/2 (Bet365, 888 Sport, Blue Sq, Boylesports) and with Peyton Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, on board most of the money in the States will be siding with them. But a lot will depend on whether the Saints can get in about him and put him off his game. Only then will they have the chance to land the odds of 9/5 (Betfred, Boylesports) and lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The Saints aren’t without a talismanic quarterback either and in Drew Brees also have a man capable of dictating this game. He led the league in passer rating and touchdown passes as well as setting the record for percentage of completed passes in a season. If both men bring their A-game we could be in for a cracker. The total points split is generally set at 56.5. With two teams who have more emphasis on offense than defence it might be that this is superceded in style and going with Over that mark could be the best play at 10/11 (Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, William Hill).

If you’re a fan of NFL and have some insight into the game please leave your tips in the comments below. There’s more chat on Superbowl XLIV over at the Selectabet Forum too.