Super Bowl Prop Betting Breakdown - Hines Ward
By: Craig Trapp
Odds makers as always have given the average fan and even their wives something to bet on this weekend with hundreds of prop bets available for action. While your wife is trying to determine the song list of the Boss, what commercial will be rated the highest , and the color of Gatorade that will be dumped on the winning coach there is money to be made by investing in the games top wide receivers. The intriguing match-up will focus on the Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald vs. Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Odds makers have created numerous betting opportunities for the fans of these two star wide outs. The article will examine the prop bets, surrounding the wide outs, that have value and are liking to make you money during Super Bowl XLIII. Today I will take a look at Hines Ward and a couple of betting options. Check back later in the week for a similar write-up for the Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald.
Hines Ward Prop Bets for Super Bowl XLIII
Total Receiving Yards over/under 65.5: In the two post season games this season Ward has averaged 62.5 receiving yards per game. In the Steelers last nine games he has crossed the current line (65.5) 5 times and failed to cover the listed line 4 times.
Total Receptions over/under 5: During the playoffs Ward averaged 3.5 receptions a game and played limited time in the AFC Championship game due to an injury. During the last 9 games Ward averaged 5.1 receptions a game crossing the odds makers line (5) 4 times with one push.
Longest Reception of the Game 22.5: During the playoffs Ward easily covered the current line of 22.5 in both games, with receptions of 41 and 45 yards. In the last nine games Ward has covered the 22.5 in every game but two including 5 straight games.
Previous Super Bowl Numbers: In 2001 while playing in his 1st Super Bowl Ward caught 6 passes for 64 yards with the longest catch covering 24 yardsds. This game was versus the New England Patriots. In 2005 playing in his 2nd Super Bowl Ward caught 5 passes for 123 yards with the longest pass covering 43 yards which went for a touchdown. Ward was selected as the MVP of the Game for his performance against the Seahawks.
Things to Consider: One thing to keep in mind while playing any prop with Hines Ward is that he was hurt in the AFC Championship game. After the injury he tried to play a couple of plays and was unable to play. It will be interesting to see what effect the injury has on Ward in Super Bowl XLIII. In the three playoffs games the Cardinals have given up 71 completions and 741 yards passing. Also in the NFC Championship game three Eagles had more than 65.5 yards receiving, two players had more than 5 receptions, and there was 6 players who had plays of more than 15 yards. The Eagles main threat Jackson had 6 catches for 92 yards and Curtis had 4 catches for 122 yards.