Bookmaker's Corner: Waiting for Media Day
by Richard Gardner | Bodog Sportsbook Manager - 2/2/2010
Media day is one of those time-honored Super Bowl traditions that the coaches and players dread, but one that football bettors, reporters, broadcasters, photographers, and TV crews look forward to most. If you can get past the circus-like feel to media day, the interviews are a great way to find out how the teams look and possibly gain some insight into Sunday's big game.
The first thing you may want to take note of is that because of the rain they've moved media day indoors. That should signal you to check the weather forecast for Sunday. (Three years ago the Super Bowl was played in Miami. It rained and the Indianapolis Colts went on to beat the Chicago Bears 29-17.)
Suffice to say, the big Super-Bowl betting rush has yet to hit Bodog’s online sportsbook, but we know it’s coming. After media day gives bettors a few angles to play, it hits its peak on Saturday and Sunday morning, then the action calms right down about an hour before the big game.
So far, our players like the Colts (-6) over the Saints, plus the over (56.5). That’s typical for our clientele, which is why we decided to open with Indianapolis by 6 as opposed to 4.5 or 5, as was the case with many other books.
Most books have settled on the number five, but you never know when a piece of news can change everything. The main injury story we’re watching involves Indy’s All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney, who if healthy would be charged with chasing down Saints quarterback Drew Brees. According to various reports, Freeney has a torn ligament in his right ankle, but that’s yet to be confirmed.
At the end of the day, we’ll probably be cheering for New Orleans to cover the spread but still lose the game, so if you want to be on the side of the so-called experts, bet the Saints (+5). That said, it doesn’t feel like we’re going to get too offside in this game. Both teams make compelling cases and, hopefully, we’ll come out with a profit whoever wins.
It’s no surprise the ‘over’ has been a popular pick with two offenses like the ones we’ll see Sunday. It’s interesting to note, however, that the Colts have only been involved in three games this season, including the playoffs, where more than 56.5 points have been scored. The Saints? Eight, including both games in the postseason.
Going back to the forecast for Sunday, they’re saying it’s going to be partly cloudy with the temperature hovering around 70. That makes it anybody’s game to win, more or less.
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