Super Bowl Prop Bets: Entertaining Wagers That Will Make Big Game Even Better

The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event in America, but the game itself often fails to live up to the enormous hype. Luckily for us, some divine creator graced us with the gift of prop bets to occupy any in-game boredom we may face.

Prop bets appease the gambling addict in all of us, and can make even the most boring events highly entertaining.

Here are my favorite prop bets Vegas has to offer for the 2012 Super Bowl.

Will the New England Patriots score in all four quarters?

Yes: +130

No: -150

New England's offense has accomplished this feat in nearly half their games over the last two seasons (17 of 35). Although the New York Giants have one of the best pass rushes in the league, I'd put my money on "yes" for this one.

In the AFC title game, the Patriots scored in every quarter despite facing the fearsome Baltimore Ravens defense. Brady struggled throughout the game, but New England was still able to put points on the board.

If the Patriots jump out to an early lead, the chances of this happening increase exponentially. We all know how Belichick and Brady love to throw salt in their opponents' wounds. Look no further than their destruction of Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos for evidence of that.

Who will have more rushing yards?

Eli Manning +2.5 yards: EVEN

Tom Brady -2.5 yards: 120

For some reason, I think this one has the potential to be thrilling. What's more fun than praying for a non-mobile quarterback to tuck the ball and awkwardly attempt to out-sprint the defense?

So far this season, Brady has the edge over Manning. He's racked up 109 yards on 43 carries thus far this season, while Manning has just 15 yards on 35 carries. Brady also has the longest run between the two this season, scampering for 13 yards on one play. Manning's season-long run was for 12 yards.

Brady is also the best quarterback sneaker in the league, so don't be surprised if he picks up a couple yards around the goal line or on a 3rd-and-short or 4th-and-short play.

Another interesting factor in this bet is the quarterback kneel. The NFL deducts two rushing yards for every kneel, so the winning quarterback could be at a major disadvantage.

I think the Patriots will win, so Brady will likely be the one kneeling at the end. Still, I'd take him in this bet.

Who will have more receiving yards?

Victor Cruz: -8.5 yards: -110

Wes Welker: +8.5 yards: -110

This will be one of the more entertaining prop bets during the Super Bowl, as these are the two most exciting players in the game.

The elusive wide receivers are perhaps the most dangerous deep threats in a league that's full of them. My favorite box-score story leading up this Super Bowl is that both Welker and Cruz have had 99-yard touchdown receptions this season.

In the regular season, Welker barely edged Cruz, out-gaining him by just 33 yards. His most productive game this season (217 yards) also beats Cruz's best game (178).

However, I'd put my money on Cruz in this one, because Welker is facing the tougher secondary and he has to compete with Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Deion Branch for receptions.

Bank on Cruz and you'll fatten your wallet on Sunday.