Super Bowl LVI bets: Final thoughts

The Super Bowl is now just a day away. Other than some late injury news, you should have a pretty good idea of the bets you want to make on the big game.  (And if you don't, maybe take a pass. There will be NBA games and college hoops on Sunday too.)

Without further delay, here are the ones I really like from the very general to the very specific.

Cincinnati Bengals +4 (-110)

I really think we are going to get a good game on Sunday, and if it is anything like the rest of the playoffs, that likely means one decided by a field goal. I totally get why the Rams are favored. They probably are the better team, definitely more experienced, they are playing at home and they are where many thought they would be at the end of the season. Then why are they favored by just four points? Some of that is sportsbooks playing the market, but with so much pro and recreational money, it is also a recognition that this Bengals team is more than just a good story. They are a good team. 

Cincinnati Bengals ML (+170)

Admittedly this is a bit of a fun one. I am not from Cincinnati or L.A., but I am definitely more of a fan of the Bengals and their story. If you are going to make one throwaway bet, you might as well make this one. Then you can tell the guys and gals at work that you were right and can prove it. Taking the points is the more professional approach, but I am taking this one too. (Full disclosure: I have a free bet and want the bigger payoff.) Cincinnati is 2-0 SU as an underdog in the playoffs so far. Why not one more?

Cincinnati Bengals over 21.5 points (-110)

The Rams have the best defense the Bengals have seen in the playoffs, but holding down Cincinnati has been a tough go all season though — their ability to run and throw has led to lots of points. They averaged 27 points per game during the regular season and have been over this number in two of three playoffs contests so far. I like the Bengals to push the favored Rams, but winning games in the teens is not really their style. They will post some points unless the game is a disaster. If you throw out the final game of the season where they rested their starters, the Bengals have been under this number three times all year, so the probabilities are on your side too.

The first receiver to reach 20+ yards: Kupp vs. Chase  (Chase +132)

I have to admit I have not seen this bet before. These are the top two receivers in the game, so it is an interesting play, especially right now without knowing who is going to get the ball on offense first. Not having to pay a premium with Chase looks like a great value, but if the Rams get the ball first, we will be sweating. Either player could get to 20 yards the first time their team has the ball, and both teams are good at making sure they don't forget to use their best weapon. This one is available at different yardage levels, but why not strike early?

Total sacks for both teams over 5.5 (+100)

Cincinnati's greatest weakness is protecting the quarterback. They were third-worst in the NFL in sacks allowed during the regular season, and the Rams have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. The Rams are better at protecting the quarterback but still gave up close to two sacks per game during the regular season too. I like this one from both sides. I definitely think the Rams will bring the heat, but Cincinnati can be fearsome too. The Bengals sacked Patrick Mahomes four times in the AFC Championship Game. Getting contributions from both defenses makes this one a great bet.