Patriots’ Super Bowl Odds Explained by DraftKings Executive
As Super Bowl Weekend approaches, the New England Patriots stand as 4.5-point underdogs against the Seattle Seahawks at leading sportsbooks, including DraftKings. Initially tagged as 3.5-point underdogs, the line adjusted quickly and settled at +4.5. Both teams appear to be closely matched in terms of skills and strategies.
Insights from DraftKings’ Johnny Avello
Johnny Avello, the race and sports operations director at DraftKings, provided clarity on the betting line during a recent appearance on the “Jones & Keefe” radio show on WEEI. He noted that DraftKings faces a potential liability concerning the Patriots.
Reasons Behind the Betting Line
Avello explained why the Patriots are positioned as 4.5-point underdogs:
- The initial power rating suggested a spread closer to 3.5 or 4.
- A continuous influx of betting money on the Patriots has resulted in significant financial exposure for DraftKings.
- The Patriots opened at 60 to 1 odds to win the Super Bowl, reflecting early skepticism about their capabilities.
Throughout the season, DraftKings was cautious about adjusting the odds in favor of the Patriots. Avello admitted that they did not act swiftly enough to reflect the team’s improving performance.
Impact of Betting Patterns
To draw more bets on the Seahawks, DraftKings opened the Super Bowl with a Seattle -3.5 line. However, there has been notable interest in the Patriots’ moneyline, currently at +190. Historical data reveals that Nevada sportsbooks have only lost money on the Super Bowl twice since 1991, with the last occurrence in 2008. Thus, a loss for DraftKings remains an unlikely but possible scenario if the Patriots outperform expectations.
Key Takeaways
As the big game nears:
- The Patriots are 4.5-point underdogs according to DraftKings.
- Betting liabilities are a concern if New England secures a victory.
- The betting line has shifted from an opening of 3.5 to 4.5.
- Patriots’ moneyline odds stand at +190.
As the Super Bowl unfolds, all eyes will be on the performance of both teams and the financial implications for sportsbooks like DraftKings.
