Super Bowl 2018: Predictions for Top Commercials, Halftime Show, National Anthem

The AFC champion New England Patriots and NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles will battle in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday night, but Super Bowl Sunday encompasses far more than the NFL's championship game.

As always, part of the draw is the entertainment aspect of the spectacle, which includes pregame performances, the halftime show and the commercials. Those elements are crucial in giving the event something for everyone among the over 100 million who usually tune in on television.

So let's check out some projections for what to expect when the Patriots and Eagles aren't battling on the gridiron. All odds mentioned are courtesy of OddsShark.

Super Bowl Non-Game Predictions

Top Commercial: Budweiser — "Stand By You"

Budweiser is a Super Bowl advertising staple and they have found success by creating a message without an intense focus on the product itself. That's the case again this year as the company highlights its bottling of water to help those in damage-infected areas.

While many commercials have suffered in recent years by trying too hard to stand out from the crowd, this is another example from Bud on how to effectively reach an audience. After a 2017 filled with natural disasters, especially hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, the ad strikes the right tone.

As other companies attempt to catch the eye of viewers with high-profile celebrities or marginally funny gags, Budweiser should once again come out on top in ad voting.

Halftime Show: No NSYNC Appearance

Justin Timberlake will take the halftime stage with a chance at redemption following the infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction he was involved in 14 years ago. The question is whether he'll bring in anybody else to perform or fly solo.

Those hoping for a reunion with NSYNC, his former boy band, are likely out of luck. Band member Joey Fatone told TMZ Sports last month the group wasn't involved in preparations for the event, and he expects JT to handle the marquee showcase on his own.

So, while it's not a major moneymaker, the -300 line (bet $300 to win $100) for no NSYNC seems like a safe choice.

National Anthem: Over Two Minutes

Pink, an Eagles fan who grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, gets the honor of singing the national anthem. She joins a star-studded list of performers to do so at the Super Bowl, including Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston and Beyonce.

One of the most popular prop bets each year is how long it will take the singer to finish the anthem. This year the over-under line has been set at two minutes with the over (-140) considered a slight favorite against the under (even).

While it's much like the coin toss in its 50-50 outcome, playing the under is usually reserved for less experienced singers not used to the big stage, which causes them to speed up. Pink has played plenty of big shows across her various tours and should hit the over as a result.