Superbowl Betting Analysis

One of the most exciting markets for Super Bowl is MVP. In the history of this huge game, the quarterback position has won the award around 50% of the time. The other winners make up of running backs, wide-receivers, defensive players and only once a kick returner. For Super Bowl XL, there are a couple of outstanding candidates who are worth concentrating on. Not surprising it is both signal callers who grab the attention, and not Shaun Alexander. Yes, the Seahawk tailback was named league MVP but Pittsburgh have proven for many years tough to run on. Once again the Steelers ranked high in run defense in 2005, and will be confident of containing the Seahawks ground attack. If Seattle are to upset the odds, and actually claim a rare NFC victory, Matt Hasselbeck is likely to have played a significant role. The Seahawks QB was forced to carry the load against Washington when Alexander was knocked out the game. Considering how the Seahawks claimed the number one seed on the back of record breaking season from Shaun Alexander, it was quite some feat by Hasselbeck go guide his team to the Championship game. Against Carolina Panthers, Hasselbeck was again on the mark again throwing two touchdowns. If Hasselbeck has looked very good, Ben Roethlisberger has been down right inspirational. The second year QB was nearly flawless in a 34-17 crushing of the Broncos. That followed a couple of hugely impressive outings against the Bengals and much vaunted improved Colts defence. Ever since recovering from the thumb injury midseason, Roethlisberger has matured considerably and has turned the Steelers from a solid rushing attack to a multi-dimensional offence. Of the two players, it makes more sense to back Big Ben at 2/1 given if the Steelers win; there is every chance it will be down to their signal caller. For those who can envisage a Seahawks victory, it may pay to back them outright at 8/5 than risk 3/1 on Hasselbeck. Of course Pittsburgh are good at stopping the run, but the regular season MVP still should be respected. There is one other candidate that we cannot fail to mention and that is Jerome Bettis, playing his last game for the Steelers in his home town of Detroit. The scene couldn't be set any better for one of the most popular players in the NFL. The problem for the Steelers redzone machine is his contributions are limited to precisely that, and short yardage situations. It would probably require a two touchdown game at least to be able to challenge for MVP honours. On only two occasions this season has the Bus rumbled in for two or more scores. One of those times came actually in Detroit. Pittsburgh beat the Lions emphatically in the final game of the regular season with three redzone conversions from Bettis. Although the Bill Cowher has traditionally been a conservative coach, the past few weeks of trusting Ben Roethlisberger to throw has shown a new approach. While many including the Seahawks will expect to see Bettis pound away inside the ten yard line, don't be surprised to see the Bus used as a decoy or even in a trick play. Finally, there is a temptation to include the distinctive Polamalu. The Steelers safety is nearly always given high praise by the commentary crew and rightly so. However, with the offensive weapons available to the NFC champions, there could be more lows than highs for the Steelers D. It is therefore best to stick with backing Ben Roethlisberger at a very tempting 2/1. I would rather this wager than an outright investment in the number six seed in the NFC to win outright. Get a free $50 bet on the superbowl at Bodog!