Here at BetFTW, we’ve spent the last week combing through every prop bet imaginable for Super Bowl 56.
From “Will there be a Super Bowl Scorigami” (Yes, -200 at Tipico) to the “LSU Special” (Odell Beckham Jr., Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow all score a touchdown +2600), there was no shortage of options that whet our appetite.
Yet there weren’t any props available for one of the most spectacular and jaw-dropping moments of every Super Bowl: the opening kickoff.
Each year, the opening kickoff dazzles thanks to the flashes from thousands of cameras, a jet-engine like roar from the crowd and the grasp of anxiety when toe meets leather. How could we not want to bet on it?
So, the BetFTW team called up our friends at Tipico to ensure we could bet on the very first football play of Super Bowl 56. The result: The BetFTW Run It Back Special:
Now live on Tipico with boosted odds, we’re betting that the opening kickoff will be returned. Not returned for a touchdown or returned for any specific number of yards, either. As long as the receiving team doesn’t settle for a touchback, we all win.
Tipico boosted the odds from +125 to +150 after our suggestion and we’re all over this one.
Consider a few factors here:
- The last Super Bowl opening kickoff to go for a touchback was in 2017
- Super Bowl 56 is being held at SoFi Stadium, where the roof should limit any potential impact from the weather
- The touchback rate for both kickers (the Rams’ Matt Gay and the Bengals’ Evan McPherson) hovers around 62 percent
- There’s not a kick returner in the NFL who doesn’t dream of their own Devin Hester moment
For the record, Tipico is offering the opening kickoff returned for a touchdown at +5200.
We’re only concerned about the kickoff not going for a touchback. It’s a straightforward concept: get an easy win right as the game starts to lift our spirits and create some positive vibes.
Besides, what kind of monster roots for a touchback back anyways?
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
