The Super Bowl is not just the biggest sports spectacle of the year—for bettors it’s also a birthday and Christmas morning all wrapped into one exciting event – gifts can be expected if you’ve been good. And being good in this instance means doing the research and understanding how betting trends can elevate your game.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or tossing in a couple of bucks for fun, Super Bowl 2025 is almost here, and the bets are already heating up. From wild prop bets to favorite-and-underdog dynamics, we’re breaking down six of the most important trends to keep in mind when laying down your cash.
1. Prop Bets Are Growing (Wilder Every Year)
Prop bets (aka proposition bets) have transcended the “extra credit” category and are now front-and-center for Super Bowl bettors. These wagers focus on specific events or outcomes that may not even be tied to the score. Think betting on the coin toss, the length of the National Anthem, or whether the Gatorade poured on the winning coach comes in Cool Blue or Fruit Punch.
What’s trending:
For 2025 Super Bowl props, expect a spike in unique, off-the-wall prop options thanks to their entertainment factor. Social media has turned betting on things like Rihanna’s halftime wardrobe into a must-follow frenzy. And don’t ignore game-related props like total interceptions, QB passing yards, or who scores first—they’re not just fun; they can also be profitable if you do your research thoroughly.
2. The Underdog Often Barks in the Super Bowl
Super Bowl history has shown us time and again that underdogs aren’t to be dismissed. Whether it’s the 2017 Eagles shocking the Patriots or the 2020 Buccaneers dismantling the Chiefs, betting on the underdog at the right time can mean big payouts.
What to know:
Underdogs have covered the spread in close to 60% of Super Bowls over the past two decades. The key? Look for tight Super Bowl matchups or teams peaking at the right time. Small point spreads (under 5 points) also hint at a potential upset.
Pro Tip: If you’re leaning underdog, sprinkle some cash not just on them covering the spread but also winning outright for a higher return.
3. Betting the Over/Under? Look at the Weather and Venue
The Over/Under (total points scored in the game) is a long-standing favorite bet. But here’s a tip many bettors overlook—Super Bowl venues (and weather conditions) matter a lot.
This year’s game is at Caesars Superdome, a climate-controlled dome in New Orleans, which means fewer weather-related scoring obstacles. Expect a sharper focus on offense and the over to feature.
Pro Tip: Don’t follow the herd—analyzing each team’s offense and defense might help you uncover a sneaky under opportunity.
4. The Favorites vs. The Public Money Split
Ah, the eternal question—bet the favorite or fade the favorite? Historically, many sports bettors love leaning toward favorites, but this can flood the betting market with public money, shifting lines and potentially giving underdog backers better value.
The trend:
Favorites win straight-up more often than they cover the spread. This means while they may take home the Lombardi Trophy, they don’t always demolish the point line (a favorite fail many lost money on betting Kansas City in 2021).
Pro Tip: Watch where public money is flowing. Too much action on the favorite can create value for underdog bettors—or an opportunity to grab the favorite at better odds later.
5. The MVP Race is a Bettor’s Playground
The Super Bowl MVP award is almost always given to a quarterback. But every now and then, a playmaker swoops in to snatch the glory—and the lucrative odds that often come with it.
The 2025 angle:
If one quarterback is overly favored (say, Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen), don’t overlook key defensive players or even flashy game-changers like wide receivers. Getting a wide receiver MVP (remember Cooper Kupp in the Rams’ 2022 win?) at +1500 odds can be a golden ticket.
Pro Tip: Save a small piece of your bankroll to sprinkle on dark-horse MVP candidates for the extra juice. Pair these bets with your main game bets for a well-rounded approach.
6. Live Betting Is Exploding
Gone are the days of locking in bets and crossing your fingers. Live betting (placing wagers during breaks or as the game unfolds) adds a whole new layer to the Super Bowl experience. Whether you’re betting on the next touchdown scorer, drive outcomes, or micro markets like “Will the next play be a pass?”, live betting caters to every second of the action.
Smart strategy:
If your pregame bets take a rocky start (ouch!), live betting can help you hedge your losses or double down on a bet you think will turn around. The fast-paced action is perfect for bettors who stay glued to the game and are quick on their feet.
Pro Tip: Knowledge is power. Watching trends unfold (like momentum shifts or injuries) can often give live bettors a huge edge over static pregame odds.
Maximize Your Betting Strategy – And Have Fun!
The Super Bowl is not just a major sporting event but also a prime opportunity for bettors to capitalize on trends and strategies. By understanding key betting dynamics—such as the rise of prop bets, the potential of underdogs, and the impact of venue conditions—you can make informed decisions that enhance your betting experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just joining in for the excitement, thorough research and strategic planning will help you navigate the betting landscape effectively. Embrace the thrill of Super Bowl 2025 and enjoy the game!