Head-to-Head: Experts Debate the Super Bowl
by Jordan Adams and Drew Mangione - 01/31/2007
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Each week two of Doc's Sports gambling aficionados will give their alternating perspectives on the key games and interesting issues in the game at both the college and professional levels. You may not agree, they may not agree, but it should be interesting!
Here are this week's topics:
Indianapolis (-6.5) vs. Chicago (O/U 48) (6:20 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 4)
Drew: Everyone is talking about Rex. It makes sense, too. This kid is just about the most inconsistent athlete I've seen in any sport. The disparity of QB ratings from his best five games compared to his worst five is greater than Manning's league-leading rating of 101. That's right. In Rex's best five games he completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 1,326 yards, 14 touchdowns, one interception and a rating of 122.07. His five worst? Just 38.1 percent for 597 yards, one touchdown, 16 interceptions and a rating of 13.92. That's a difference of 108.15. I think we'll see each side of Rex in this game.
Prediction: Colts 31, Bears 27
Jordan: This is one Super Bowl match-up I can't complain about on either team's account. Living in Chicago it's the Bears I'm rooting for. But to go against Peyton and the Colts, there would be no love lost if they pulled it out and finally got that win. Oh, and keep saying Manning has no pressure to win, and that being here should make him feel relieved. Ask him on Monday how it feels that Rex Grossman has a ring and he doesn't! Seriously, the Sex Cannon Grossman would laugh it up all the way to next September.
Prediction: Bears 26, Colts 24
What is your best Super Bowl betting moment?
Drew: Puerto Rico for the Super Bowl! Can you think of a better place to watch the game, besides the stadium? For Super Bowl XXXVII, I was in Senor Frog's sucking down free shots every time a team scored. I had the Carolina bracelet on, but somehow squirmed away with the booze each Patriots score as well. I followed that by winning $60 at the roulette table and when I got home, I had won the office pool for another $125. This made up for the year before when I bet the Raiders, just so I had some consolation if they won.
Prediction: The fans at Senor Frogs this year will also see 10 scores between the two teams.
Jordan: Truthfully, I do not have any betting history with this game. I did bet my father ten bucks once on the Pats over the Rams several years back. And considering I so vehemently hate New England, am I the one to blame for the birth of their dynasty?
What do you think will be the key to winning the Super Bowl?
Drew: Pressure. For the Bears, it's pressure on Manning. Why does the league's most talented QB struggle in big games? Big time teams can get through his line. Unlike Brady, whose never rattles, Manning under pressure looks like a screaming 12-year-old with a pocket protector getting beat up by the entire varsity football team. With Tommie Harris gone, the Bears have to show they are a big-time defense. As for the Colts, the pressure that must be managed is psychological-Be it Manning's attempt to avoid being Dan Marino (stats and personality, no titles) or Dungy, who knows he got a raw deal in Tampa and doesn't get the credit he deserves as a head coach.
Prediction: A Colts win erases all the foolish talk about Dungy and Peyton being overrated; A Bears win multiplies it.
Jordan: I'm pulling for Chicago and think they have a great shot to win. So with that, let me pose this answer as if I was stating it boldly: Rex, please don't piss this game away. Point. Blank. Period.
Is Super Bowl betting overrated, or is it truly the best wagering day of the year?
Drew: Betting the Super Bowl with the books is overrated. Betting the Super Bowl with the people at your party is priceless. Sure, if you feel good with the books, you can win, but remember: You'll have to mix sports or play the props to limit your losses and maximize your gains. Here's the beauty of betting your party: If you think the Colts will win, invite as many Bears fans as you can. You set your own line and it might vary with the multiple takers who base their bet on their emotions. Sure you'll probably only get to lay down $20 per bet, but get five takers and Voila!
Prediction: I make four bets and come out even.
Jordan: Not only is betting on the Super Bowl vastly overrated and over hyped, but I also don't even think this event is the best in sports. Even if I were a bettor, I would just want to relax, enjoy the game and watch all the new, jazzy commercials. Seriously, there is no need to be on your heels for four hours on the verge of shattering glass if you're team doesn't win. Quite frankly, there is probably enough of that going on in the sports gambling world the other 355 days of the year. Give me the NCAA Tournament, because no event is bigger or more enjoyable, especially because of the unpredictability of the games. And after covering and watching every game of the World Cup this past summer, I would take that tournament any day, for its passion and much more exhilarating moments.
What under-the-radar player may have a big impact on this year's game?
Drew: The one player I know will have a big game this week is "The King." He's made a big play in several Super Bowls, whether he lined up as a Raven or against the Bills. Surely, Burger King's mascot will find a way to sneak into this game with a big hit, interception or powerful run. If not, stopping the Bear's running attack will require a big game from Booger McFarland and look for nickel corner Ricky Manning Jr. to take some chances.
Prediction: Jones and Benson combine for 105 yards and a touchdown, but most of that will come in the first half. Ricky Manning gets a pick early and gets burned late.
Jordan: I love Brian Urlacher, but give me Lance Briggs. I've been on him ever since we drafted him out of Arizona several years ago. Not only do I think he is just as talented as Urlacher, but his big play ability has been seen all throughout the year. Case in point: 4th-and-1 vs. Seattle and it was Mr. Briggs who stuffed Shaun Alexander. If the Seahawks convert that yard the Bears are at home in cold, windy Chicago.
Jordan and Drew will be going Head-to-Head every week. If you have any comments or questions for them, or any topics that you'd like discussed, email us at service@docsports.com.