Super Bowl 2015: Patriots vs. Seahawks Spread Info, Betting Guide and Picks

The Super Bowl is the final time bettors will have the chance to gamble on a football game this season, so Las Vegas is pulling out all the stops.

Naturally, the typical point spread and over/under line is in place, but there are hundreds of prop bets available as well. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the information and predictions for the betting angles for the showdown between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. 

All odds information is courtesy of Odds Shark, as of Friday at 10 p.m. ET (typical lines and prop bets).

Spread

New England is favored by a single point, which sets the stage for an enticing Super Bowl that could come down to the final minutes. 

While the Patriots are sure to put up some points with Tom Brady, LeGarrette Blount and Rob Gronkowski operating the offense, Seattle’s defense will prove to be the difference in this one. It was first in the NFL in scoring defense and total defense and physically dominates almost everyone it plays.

On the other side, no team in the league is better built to keep Brady on the sidelines than the Seahawks, considering they were first in the league in rushing yards per game.

Matt York/Associated Press

Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson should be able to move the chains early in the game, which will open up the passing attack against a New England secondary that finished a disappointing 17th in the league against the pass this season.

Patriots defensive tackle Sealver Siliga discussed the task at hand going up against Lynch, via Shalise Manza Young of The Boston Globe:

"

You know, Marshawn, he’s a whole different ball player. You go against running backs every week, but Marshawn’s a whole different beast. His size, his strength, his speed, his quickness—he’s a whole different football player.

He moves like a little guy, but he’s built like a big guy, so he has that power running, and then he also has that quickness so he can juke you if he wants. He’s a whole different beast, and that’s why we’re all on it so much about we have to stop him, because he’s like the front of the train—he’s what gets that whole offense running. 

"

Between the lockdown Seattle defense, the rushing attack of Lynch and Wilson and the beatable Patriots pass defense, the formula is in place for the Seahawks to take home their second Lombardi Trophy.

Over/Under

The over/under for the Super Bowl is 47.5.

While it would be easy to automatically assume the under is the smart pick here because the Seahawks defense is part of the formula, it will actually be the over.

For Seattle, Lynch is fresh off a 183-yard performance against the Green Bay Packers and will force the Patriots to commit extra defenders to the box early in the game. That will open up a deep play-action pass for Wilson for a quick strike in the second half, which will be critical for the over/under.

Seattle may be known for its defense, but it finished in the top 10 in the league in scoring offense this year as well.

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

On the other side, the Patriots finished fourth in the league in scoring offense. What’s more, the Brady and Gronkowski connection is particularly worrisome for Seattle, given that it allowed 11 touchdowns to only two interceptions on throws to tight ends, compared to six touchdowns and 11 interceptions on throws to backs and wide receivers.

ESPN Stats & Info highlighted just how vulnerable Seattle was against tight ends this year:

In fact, the Seahawks finished 18th in the league against tight ends, per Football Outsiders' metrics.

Seattle may win the game, but Brady and Gronkowski will take advantage of the Seahawks’ statistical weakness against the tight end. Between that and Seattle’s ability to rack up points on the ground, the over is the better play here.

These are two of the league’s top-10 scoring offenses for a reason.

Prop Bets of Interest

Morry Gash/Associated Press

Will Idina Menzel Forget or Omit at Least 1 Word of the Official U.S. National Anthem?

Yes: 4-1

No: 1-6 

Idina Menzel performed the national anthem at the MLB All-Star Game, performed at the Academy Awards and has been on Broadway. The Super Bowl may be a huge stage, but good luck finding someone more comfortable under the spotlight than Menzel, which means she will not mess up.

How Many Times Will 'Deflated Balls' Be Referred to During the Game?

Over/Under: 2.5

This may be the easiest prop bet on the board. There has been so much discussion about “Deflategate” leading up to the Super Bowl that fans would be forgiven if they forgot there was an actual football game. That won’t change during the broadcast.

Will It Be Mentioned That Pete Carroll Was the Last Head Coach of the Patriots?

Yes: 11-10

No: 2-3

It seems unlikely that the announcers will simply gloss over this storyline throughout the entire broadcast. There is plenty of down time in a football game, and the announcers will touch on this at least once.

Will Bill Belichick Smile During the Game on Camera?

Yes: 3-2

No: 1-2

Your opinion on this likely follows your opinion on the eventual outcome of the game. After all, it’s hard to envision Bill Belichick smiling much if the Patriots are losing (which is the guess here), but it is equally difficult to envision Belichick with a scowl on his face if the Patriots are winning.

How Many Times Will Katy Perry Be Mentioned During the 1st Half?

Over/Under: 1.5 

The announcers are going to tease the halftime show at least once during the first half. That means it will only take one more mention to reach the over, which seems like the smart play.

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