Super Bowl 2012: 5 Gambling Locks

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Super Bowl XLVI is just a day away and sports books are anticipating a near-record handle when things kick off between the New England Patriots and New York Giants inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 

Plenty of action is landing in the straight-bet market with the Patriots being favored by three points, but the popularity of proposition wagers is at a all-time high due to the media coverage surrounding them.

Let's take a closer look at five wagers that everyone should be playing during America's biggest sporting event.

New England Patriots, Alternative Point Spread

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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has revenge on his mind and is rarely blown out on the gridiron.

It's hard to imagine that the AFC champions get blown out in this contest, with or without the services of tight end Rob Gronkowski.

I definitely can't recommend playing the Patriots plus-14.5 (minus-1600), but don't see a problem in backing them as 7.5-point underdogs.

Play the New England Patriots (+7.5, -450)

Will There Be a Lead Change in the Second Half?

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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning will be facing the New England Patriots for the fourth time in the regular season or playoffs in his career, with each of those contests having something in common.

All three have seen a lead change in the second half.

Why stop now?

Yes (+125)

Result of the First Coach's Challenge

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Both head coaches are highly respected and will not be overwhelmed by being on the sidelines during Super Bowl XLVI.

It's hard to imagine that either coaching staff would make a mistake in this regard and waste a timeout with televisions all around to view instant replay.

Overturned (-115)

Victor Cruz, Total Receiving Yards on First Reception

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Victor Cruz averaged 14.4 yards per catch in three playoff games this year, which gives his proposition wager incredible value.

The New York Giants' salsa-dancing wide receiver also finished the regular season with 82 receptions for 1,536 yards.

I'm all-in.

Over 11.5 total receiving yards on first reception (-115)

Danny Woodhead, Total Receiving Yards

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New England Patriots running back Danny Woodhead only caught 18 passes in playing 15 regular-season games this year, but three of those came against the New York Giants in Week 9.

Quarterback Tom Brady will definitely need a safety valve on Sunday out of the backfield, something that former Patriots running back Kevin Faulk provided in Super Bowl XLII.

Faulk ran the ball just one time, but finished the game with seven catches for 52 yards.

Woodhead is capable of producing the same type of numbers.

Danny Woodhead over 12.5 receiving yards (-115)