5 early Super Bowl props to target: Jump on Mahomes' longest rush total
Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.
The Super Bowl prop market can be a bit overwhelming.
With hundreds - yes, hundreds - of different props to choose from, it doesn't take much for your volume to get out of control. Here, we'll keep things simple by picking five to get on early.
Patrick Mahomes' longest rush under 14.5 yards
Mahomes has worked his magic on the ground this postseason, posting back-to-back games with 53 rushing yards. Given those strong performances, his price for the first touchdown of the Super Bowl is a bit inflated, and I also believe we're getting a high number on this prop. Mahomes has only recorded a rush of at least 15 yards in four of 16 games this season. Meanwhile, San Francisco has been solid when it comes to containing opposing quarterbacks, allowing just 21.1 rushing yards per game and 5.1 yards per rush from the position during the campaign.
Dee Ford to not record a sack
Ford has only recorded 6.5 sacks in 11 games with San Fran this season after netting 13 in 16 contests with the Chiefs last year. The amount of times that Mahomes will drop back is concerning if you're betting against Ford on this prop, but the pass-rusher should see plenty of Mitchell Schwartz, who graded out as the fourth-best tackle by PFF this season.
James Harden point total (vs. Pelicans) -7.5 against first-half Super Bowl points
Oh, you weren't going to get weird with some cross-sport props? Shame on you. I'll try to type this out with a straight face but don't think I'll have much luck.
Not only have the Pelicans gone over the total in 12 of their last 13 games, but they've allowed the second-most points in the league and have surrendered north of 123 on average in their last three. If Harden can pour in 35 - he's averaging 36.6 this season - I think he'll cash, especially considering some sharper bettors are taking the 49ers-Chiefs first-half under 27.5.
Tevin Coleman to score the first touchdown
This was one I recommended earlier in the week when the market opened up, with Coleman at 21-1. It was probably tricky for the oddsmakers to price Coleman after he suffered a dislocated shoulder last weekend against the Packers. But the coaching staff sounds optimistic regarding the running back's status for the Super Bowl, making him an intriguing bet for this prop. Although he's down to as low as 14-1 in some shops, I still think there's value here.
Mecole Hardman’s first reception over 14.5 yards
I really like the upside here with Hardman, considering the 49ers will be tasked with trying to stop wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. Hardman's been quiet in the postseason, totaling just 27 yards on three catches. But I think the lightning-quick receiver who averaged north of 20 yards per reception in 2019 is due for a splash play.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.