Super Bowl XLV: 5 Proposition and Side Bets That You Can't Miss

Something like $10 Billion will be bet on Super Bowl XLV. While the majority of the Super Bowl betting will come in on the point spread, money line and total; sports books have capitalized off of gamblers looking to bet on the ever popular Super Bowl proposition bets.

Online betting giant BoDog.com is listing over 300 Steelers-Packers prop bets for Super Bowl Sunday. My NFL picks are in on the Steelers vs. Packers point-spread and total. Now it’s time to see if we can unearth some Steelers vs. Packers props winners.

Total Passing Yards – Ben Roethlisberger (over-under 240.5)

In their 19 games this season Green Bay gave up at least 241 yards passing just five times. In their last 11 games, it happened just twice. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's passing yardage is down during the playoffs compared to the regular season. In his two playoff victories, Roethlisberger would have covered the ‘under’ 240.5 in both games; including just 133 yards last week. Personally I believe this number is 10 yards too high; take the under 240.5 yards.

Total Rushing Yards – Rashard Mendenhall (over-under 77.5)

In their 12 games since Week 8, only two running backs have been able to rush for over 77.5 yards against the Packers defense. During the playoffs, Philadelphia’s LeSean McCoy had just 48 yards; Atlanta’s Michael Turner was held to only 39 yards; while Chicago’s Matt Forte had moderate success with 70 yards. Through the first five weeks of the season, Mendenhall rushed for 77.5 yards four times. Since then, he surpassed 77.5 yards just four out of 13 times. This number is way off, take the under 77.5 yards.

Total Sacks – BJ Raji (over-under .5)

The key to the Packers winning Super Bowl Sunday is putting pressure on Big Ben. Including the playoffs, Raji has 7.5 sacks this season. The Steelers will be without their stud center Maurkice Pouncey Sunday night; who has been ruled out with a broken foot. Enter the unproven Dan Legursky in Pouncey’s place. Lining up eye-to-eye with Raji will be a very tough assignment for the second year center out of Marshall. Take the over ½ sacks at +110.

Will there be a lead change in the Second Half? (yes +140, no -170)

Not sure exactly how to back this one up with statistical analysis. However, these two teams are pretty evenly matched up in my view. Both have clutch quarterbacks capable of a game-winning fourth quarter drive. Take the ‘yes’ at +140, I think it should be closer to +115.

Team to Win the Opening Coin Toss

You aren’t officially betting on the Super Bowl unless you place a little something on the coin toss. I hate to use the word ‘lock’ when it comes to sports betting, but there has been no greater sure thing then betting on the Super Bowl coin toss. In the last 14 Super Bowls, the NFC won the coin toss each time. I realize this is pure coincidence, but I’ve been riding this streak for the last seven years and am not stopping now. Head over to BoDog.com and take Green Bay to win the coin toss at -105.