Super Bowl betting do's and don'ts

Everyone and their mother will be placing some sort of wager on the Super Bowl, whether it's the spread/total, a prop bet, a square, or even the coin toss.

With all those options available for both sharp and recreational bettors, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, we've set the table with the biggest do's and don'ts in the quest to profit on the NFL's biggest game.

Do - Capitalize on the prop market

There are 400-some prop bets to sift through if you're looking to find an edge outside of, you know, the game that is being played to decide the NFL's best team for the 2018 season. Laugh at the commercial-based, cross-sport, or quirky props available, but just know this: Those props can yield a solid return if bettors invest as much time into cultural trends as they do Bill Belichick's record against coaches he's faced for the first time (30-7 straight up since 2010; you're welcome). Despite chalky numbers and lower limits, there's money to be made. So whether Todd Gurley hints at which Gatorade color is lurking in the Los Angeles Rams' sideline coolers or you dig up a leaked version to Budweiser's commercial, only to find that there are Under 8.5 Clydesdales, be aggressive in spotting edges.

Do - Designate unit sizes

Sharper bettors will stick to unit scaling or designating a percentage of their bankroll on a play based on the perceived edge. The wide range of betting options for the Super Bowl requires top-notch discipline in setting the same approach to ensure you're not racking up excess juice or carelessly throwing darts.

Do - Line shop

Treat the Super Bowl like every other game and be sure to shop around for the best numbers and prices available, both on standard and prop bets. We continuously refresh screens, waiting for books to move numbers; why not shop around and find huge discrepancies in categories such as receiving yard props, the National Anthem time, and MVP odds?

Don't - Factor in irrelevant trends

Oh, your friend found a pattern in previous Super Bowl coin tosses and has an edge? Rid that person from your life, immediately.

You can never have enough resources in capping, until you do; that's when things start becoming noisy and irrelevant. The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of useless information. Did you know that 12 of the previous 14 winners have worn white jerseys? Surely the New England Patriots will use these powers to make it 13 of 15!

Don't - Play just to play

When it comes to the Super Bowl, you can bet on literally anything. Books are serving up bets buffet style; it's up to you to decide when enough is enough.

You don't have to play everything. Betting on the coin toss might be a tradition like no other, but paying a steep price on a bet that has a 50 percent chance of hitting and playing into the book's hand is a minus-EV move before the ball is even kicked off the tee.

Don't - Chase losses

Didn't win the National Anthem Over/Under? Surely you can get that back by betting the outcome of the first play of the game. Lost on the first-half Over? Double up on the second.

Those deceiving devils that sit atop shoulders in cartoons will come to life, and you'll have to be your own version of the angel opposite. Be cognizant of when enough is enough and stick to your guns, or you may find yourself curled up in the fetal position by halftime.

Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.

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