I’m having a hard time coming up with a definitive opinion on the Super Bowl. I could certainly make a case for either side. Even though the line of Kansas City laying 1.5 has actually come down from what it opened at, I think more people think the Chiefs are going to win. Just because of the flash factor. Patrick Mahomes and his weapons look like they can overcome just about anything. And it’s scary what they’ve done, especially these last two weeks. San Francisco is, well, different. Albeit no less impressive. The 49ers play defense, so maybe their offense doesn’t have to be as dynamic to get things done.
Anyway, I’ve read that this is the 21st time in Supe history that a team with the NFL’s first- or second-ranked defense has made it this far. And those teams are 15-5 in this spot. That’s something. It’s also true that KC has covered its last seven, while the Niners went 5-0 as underdogs this season.
So …
As I often do, I’m going to play a teaser, mostly because I can’t decide. I’m going to move the Niners up to plus 7.5, since I think it’s going to be a close game. Of course that doesn’t mean the Chiefs can’t win by double digits, especially if they get off to a fast start. Mahomes appears to be that good. Yet I think even if the Niners lose it probably won’t be by more than a touchdown. And I also think they could win outright. Nothing, remember, ever seems to come easy for Andy Reid. And I’m not an Andy basher. I do think the other coach is pretty good too. Most folks think this game is going to get up into the high 20s or maybe even 30s. So I’ll also move the over-under down to 48.5 and go with the over.
I’ve also handed out a whole bunch of prop bets (Part 1, Part 2) that can keep me occupied throughout. Hard to believe this is the last real football game for eight months (I don’t count the exhibitions). So by all means hope you make the most of it. In the meantime I’ll be doing the weekly golf stuff and some college/NBA hoops. I would say hockey but my followers know better. Then again, you never really do know for sure. Unless maybe you’re Joe Namath about to play the Colts. And that was 50 years ago.