If we’ve learned anything from past Super Bowl Sundays, it’s that the game itself is usually just one aspect of what makes the annual February event such a pop culture magnet.
From the halftime show to the pre-game pageantry to the commercials, there is so much about this five-hour window that becomes ingrained in our minds forever. Just ask Left Shark or 50 Cent.
And while betting on the who will win between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII is fun enough on it’s own, it’s nothing compared to betting on everything outside the lines. Yes, that includes your office Squares pool, too.
So let’s run through the nine most fun prop bets that have absolutely nothing to do with the game and pick some winners.
Odds via FanDuel
How long will the national anthem be?
Blake Schuster: This sure would be a lot easier if there were any footage of Chris Stapleton previously performing the national anthem anywhere online. Alas, we’ll have to make an educated guess. The over/under is set for 119.5 seconds. Put me down for the under (+210).
Charles Curtis: I’ll say over by a hair. Figure it’s the Super Bowl and Stapleton will want to draw it out just over the two-minute mark.
Caroline Darney: I’m going over, thinking that there is going to be a long couple notes at the end that take us over the finish line.
What color liquid will be poured on the winning coach?
Blake Schuster: It was yellow the last time the Chiefs won. Considering I’m picking Kansas City again this year, I’ll trust that they’re just as superstitious as every other pro sports team and keep it the same.
Charles Curtis: Yellow/Green is the right call, and Blake’s logic is perfect. No notes.
Caroline Darney: I’m going to go the orange route. I like Blake’s logic, but let’s have some fun.
First song to be played during halftime show
Blake Schuster: Rihanna performed her music on stage in FIVE YEARS. That’s seven iPhone models ago. So how does she open up her Super Bowl halftime show? It’s gotta be an absolute banger that the whole crowd knows, sets the tone for a high-energy set and still shows off her vocal range. Sounds like “Disturbia” (+1500) to me!
Charles Curtis: I’m all in on “Don’t Stop the Music” (+250). It’s the perfect song to kick everything off with — upbeat, all about getting the crowd into it, probably no shot at a guest star — so I’ll throw a few bucks on it.
Caroline Darney: Let’s go on a journey. Close your eyes. Imagine the lights are down, the lasers are cutting through a light haze of smoke and suddenly you hear Rihanna’s angelic voice. “SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND.” I just got chills. It’s Diamonds (+600).
Last song to be played during halftime show
Blake Schuster: I’m already on record here with “This Is What You Came For” (+2000) and I’m sticking to it.
Charles Curtis: This is an easy one: Diamonds (-125) will feature Rihanna and her dancers/band/whoever all in glittery outfits for a finale that will end with her hitting a high note. Perfect.
Caroline Darney: Let’s go Live Your Life (N/A). More on that in a second.
Guest appearance during the halftime show
Blake Schuster: I’m pretty torn here. On the one hand I think there’s a decent shot at an all-girls show with appearances by the likes of SZA (+800), but there’s another part of me that believes there won’t be any guests on stage. This is Rihanna’s moment. Her return to the spotlight and not only is she capable of carrying the show on her own, she’s already must-see TV. Put me down for no cameos!
Charles Curtis: Drake (-150) seems kind of obvious, but whatever. I think he’ll show up for Work (sorry not sorry for the pun).
Caroline Darney: It’s got to be T.I. (+400), who will come out for the finale of Live Your Life.
Who Will the Super Bowl MVP Mention First In His Speech?
Blake Schuster: Family (+600). I thought about sticking with “religious figure” at even money, but family feels like the more fun play.
Charles Curtis: He’ll talk about his teammates (+150) for sure.
Caroline Darney: Going religious figure (+100). There is a reason it leads the board.
Who will run the first commercial after kickoff?
Blake Schuster: I’m throwing a curveball here and avoiding the beer or insurance picks. I’ll take Doritos for the first ad and I’m sure it’ll be as weirdly funny as it always is.
Charles Curtis: I’ll be boring and say Budweiser.
Caroline Darney: I’m thinking like Charles, but I’m going Bud Light with Miles Teller and his wife, Keleigh, dancing to the iconic hold music.
Coin flip!
Blake Schuster: Tails never fails!
Charles Curtis: Heads has been it in four of the last five. We’re due for a Tails.
Caroline Darney: I’ll go contrarian here. Heads.
How many celebrities will be shown on the broadcast?
Blake Schuster: We already know both the Eagles and Chiefs have a TON of famous fans. Considering how passionate both fanbases are, it wouldn’t surprise me to see all of them in the stands on Sunday. But I’ll bet the cameras only catch about 11 of them.
Charles Curtis: Uhhh, let’s say they show nine celebs. I expect multiple shots of Paul Rudd
Caroline Darney: What are we counting as celebrities here? Former players? Politicians? Movie stars (PAUL RUDD AND MILES TELLER PLEASE)? Going with that loose term, let’s say 15.
