Superbowl 2003

While we're sticking to the truth, allow me to share this with you. We go to press before the playoffs begin! That being said I will give you the best information from a historical perspective. It's the old saying, "Learn from history or be doomed to repeat it…" Many professional handicappers refer to these statistics before they decide on which team to bet. Also included will be information for you over/under bettors. Much of the information is courtesy of Al O'Donnell from his marvelous yearly publication, "Point Spread Playbook". It comes with a money-back guarantee! To get on the list for next season call Al today… For info: Call Al O'Donnell toll free: 1 800 880 5143.

This year is the 37th Super Bowl. In the previous 36 Super Bowls the NFC has won 20 and the AFC 16. Covering the pointspread is a little closer, the NFC has won the battle of the numbers, 17 to 16 with 3 ties.

The favorite has won straight-up by a 2-1 margin 24-12.

The favorite has brought home the cash by covering 19 games, losing 14 and pushing 3 times. The AFC has been extremely successful in recent games. The last time an NFC team has covered the pointspread was in 1995! That was the year that San Francisco won the game 49-26 over San Diego as an 18 point favorite. Since then the AFC has beat the number 5 times and tied twice, winning outright at a 4-3 pace.

Of course each year's match-up has to be considered on its' own merits. There are more and more sports bettors each year that are wagering on totals or as their widely known over/unders. These wagers involve betting on whether the combined scores of the two teams will go over or under the posted number. For example if the betting number is posted at 43, you can bet on whether the combined total will go over or under 43. Let's say the final score is 27-20, the winner would be over because the combined score totals 47.

This wager is relatively new to sports bettors. It has been available in Las Vegas since 1980. In the last 21 years the over has won 13 times, gone under 7 times, and tied once. Last year the posted total was 53 points and the final score was 20-17 in a big upset when the New England Patriots won on a last second field goal as a 14 point underdog against the St. Louis Rams

The highest total on record is in the 1995 game where the total was posted at 54 points. The game easily went over, the final totaling 75 points. The lowest total on record is in the 2001 game when the number posted was a meager 33 points. This game also went over by a score of 34-7.

The Super Bowl in Las Vegas offers a lot more than just betting on a side or total. At most of the sportbooks you will see many proposition wagers that are available. There will be hundreds of different ones offered, ranging from who will score the first points in the game, which team will win each quarter, totals on each quarter, will there be a score in the last two minutes of the first half, etc. Many of the sportsbooks will have different ones than their neighboring casino. This gives the bettor an excellent opportunity to shop around for the best price on the wager that they are interested in. Also there are an abundance of private and public parties in town. Ask around to find out the best one for you. If you are a gambler and are being rated, ask your casino host to get you invited to one of the private parties. They offer lots of free food and drink and party favors. Of course the game will be shown for free in the sportsbooks, but if you want a seat, plan on getting there at least a couple hours before the game.

Warning to the wise: This game has been scrutinized by everyone. The number is a good one. By all means bet the side or total or a few of the propositions. But don't go overboard. This is only one game and don't ruin your vacation because you wagered an uncomfortable amount. Rather, enjoy it, root for your bet and have a great time.

As Always…Good Luck!