New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick finally spoke out on the Deflategate controversy a week before Super Bowl XLIX, explaining what he now knows about air pressure and how it affects the football in a press conference he called himself. What Belichick may still not know is that he is the subject of a variety of props bettors have the opportunity to wager on at sportsbooks prior to the Super Bowl kicking off.
The three-time Super Bowl champion can join legendary Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll by winning his fourth NFL title against the Seattle Seahawks. But will it be Belichick or Seattle head coach Pete Carroll who is mentioned first after kickoff during the television broadcast? Belichick is the -130 favorite over Carroll (-110), who actually preceded him as the New England head coach from 1997-99 after Bill Parcells.
However, that is not the only prop featuring Belichick, as bettors also have the chance to put their money on what he will be wearing Super Bowl Sunday. Belichick’s trademark hoodie is included in two different props, one involving the color and the other the type covering two options, either sleeves cut (-150) or sleeves intact (+110). Grey is the favorite among the different colors of the hoodie at -200 followed by blue (+175) and red (+700).
The Belichick prop bets do not stop there though, as you can wager on whether or not he will smile on camera at some point during the game as well. A bet on “Yes” is the +150 underdog while “No” is the -200 favorite. Keep in mind, this must be live and take place while he is coaching. Smiling at halftime or in celebration of a Super Bowl victory following the game does not count.
For the Seahawks, running back Marshawn Lynch figures to be a big draw on Media Day thanks to his past post-game performances for members of the press. Lynch was fined $100,000 by the league for not cooperating with the media earlier this season, and all eyes will likely be on him to see how he reacts leading up to his second Super Bowl appearance.
Last year, Lynch attended Super Bowl Media Day and gave mostly short answers to questions asked by reporters to avoid being fined. The big question is, will that be the case again this time around? Bettors can wager on whether or not Lynch will be fined by the NFL for any incident on Media Day, with “No” the overwhelming -600 favorite. A bet on “Yes” pays out +400.
In addition, Lynch has an infamous touchdown celebration that he will need to avoid on Super Bowl Sunday, otherwise Seattle will be penalized 15 yards. Lynch was fined $20,000 by the league after grabbing his crotch following the go-ahead TD against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
Lynch has been guilty of the crotch grab before, and if he continues to be a repeat offender in the biggest game of the year with millions of fans watching, it will also cost his team with what is essentially a personal foul penalty for what is viewed as an obscene gesture. Bettors can get +400 if they believe Lynch will grab his crotch and have to lay -600 if they think he will not.