Super Bowl Prop Bets 2012: Advice for 10 Tricky Bets

Super Bowl XLVI is just days away, and sports bettors are busy finalizing their prop-bet selections before the New England Patriots and New York Giants kick things off inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The Patriots are currently three-point favorites at most Las Vegas sports books, but many NFL fans are looking to wager on more unique offerings, which includes how long Kelly Clarkson will take to sing Sunday's national anthem.

Let's take a closer look at 10 proposition wagers that may seem tricky, but could supply a nice profit during America's biggest sporting event.

New England Patriots, Alternative Point Spread

The New England Patriots have played some close games in the Super Bowl, which makes some alternative point spread choices very appealing to the average bettor.

Let's also remember that the Patriots were nine-point home favorites against the New York Giants in their regular-season meeting this year, falling by a 24-20 score in Foxborough. 

Backing quarterback Tom Brady as a 7.5-point underdog in this contest is very appealing.

Don't feel like you're obligated to play the normal betting odds Sunday.

Alternative Line: New England Patriots (+7.5, -400)

The Last Score of the First Half

I don't anticipate conservative play-calling after the first quarter in this contest, as both Tom Brady and Eli Manning have been here before.

Playing indoors inside Lucas Oil Stadium also offers the right type of environment to try and put three points on the scoreboard before Madonna's halftime show.

The last score of the first half will be:

Field goal (-105)

Any other score (-105)

Will the Team That Scores First Win the Game?

Both signal-callers have demonstrated the ability to lead fourth-quarter comebacks, which gives this offering tremendous value.

Scoring first is important, but not the end-all in this matchup.

Yes (-165)

No (+135)

First Coach's Challenge

A good number of people wagering on the Super Bowl will not even know what a challenge flag is on Sunday, but NFL coaches can ill-afford to be wrong in throwing it in a game of this magnitude.

Head coach Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick better have some trustworthy guys watching televisions inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Play overturned (-115)

Play stands (-115)

Passing Yards

The most popular proposition wagers in Super Bowl XLVI will certainly involve the quarterback matchup between Tom Brady and Eli Manning.

Manning should get more opportunities to throw the ball downfield, as the Patriots defense lacks the pass rushers that the Giants have.

Getting just over 10 yards to start the game doesn't hurt either.

Eli Manning +10.5 passing yards vs. Tom Brady (-120)

New England Wins First Half and New York Wins Game

The New England Patriots went into the halftime break with a 7-3 lead when these two teams last faced each other for the Lombardi Trophy, but ultimately lost that game by a 17-14 score.

No reason it can't happen again at a nice price.

Yes (+640)

No (-840)

Shortest Touchdown Scored in the Game

I believe that both teams could have success running the football on Sunday, but that doesn't mean a one-yard touchdown will be scored.

Not the trickiest of bets—you just don't want to see any first-and-goal situations on the one-yard line while watching the game.

Over 1.5 yards (Even)

Under 1.5 yards (-130)

First Missed Field Goal

With both place kickers being right-footed, I'm under the impression that the ball will more likely hook in pressure-packed situations.

It's not the trickiest proposition—just hope to see a potential miss go left of the uprights on Sunday.

Wide left (-120)

Wide right (+110)

Short or blocked (+800)

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady's Longest Pass Completion

The New England Patriots don't really have a vertical threat in the passing game and will face a defense that has the luxury of dropping seven players into pass coverage due to its formidable front four.

Tom Brady will be making a lot of short-to-intermediate passes Sunday.

Over 42.5 yards (-115)

Under 42.5 yards (-115)

Will the New England Patriots Successfully Convert a Fourth Down?

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been on the sidelines for plenty of Super Bowls and has great confidence in quarterback Tom Brady and his high-powered offense.

There's no doubt in my mind that he'll elect to go for it rather than kick it in a crucial situation, especially with a much-maligned defensive unit.

Yes (Even)

No (-130)