A popular bet ahead of Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks was the total number of first downs.
The line was set at 39.5 and despite an incredibly slow start by both offenses, particularly the Patriots, the teams got to 38 combined first downs. The Patriots picked up just one first down on their first 13 possessions, so the under looked like a lock. The fourth quarter provided enough fireworks for the Patriots to reach 18 total first downs. The Seahawks compiled 20 first downs with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III (161 scrimmage yards) leading the way.
Betting the over/under on first downs is an option at most sportsbooks ahead of the game. There will be similar betting options available on Super Bowl 61 first downs.
First down betting for the Big Game
Here were the closing odds for first downs ahead of the big game at DraftKings Sportsbook.
The bet works just like a standard over/under bet. The sportsbook sets a line and lists odds for the two choices: over or under that number. If you make the right call, you win, and your account will receive payment.
Other Super Bowl prop bets
Looking for other options when it comes to your big game props? Check our guides for what’s available at top Super Bowl betting sites here.
First down history for the NFL championship
Each Super Bowl is different and should be judged based on the specific matchup at hand, but recent trends can also help to set the bar for expectations. Here are the total first downs for the last decade of games:
- Super Bowl 60: 38
- Super Bowl 59: 33
- Super Bowl 58: 47
- Super Bowl 57: 46
- Super Bowl 56: 33
- Super Bowl 55: 48
- Super Bowl 54: 47
- Super Bowl 53: 36
- Super Bowl 52: 54
- Super Bowl 51: 54
- Super Bowl 50: 32
- Super Bowl 49: 45
- Super Bowl 48: 35
The numbers range from a low of 33 to a high of 54. Over the last 10 years, the average is 42 first downs per Super Bowl.
It’s important to remember that a number of factors can influence the number of first downs in the game. A low-scoring defensive battle can keep first down totals low, but so can a relatively high-scoring game where most of the points come from big plays for long yardage. This prop bet isn’t about total offensive yardage gained, but rather how many first downs both teams actually log in the game.
It’s also important to keep in mind that it’s the combined total number of first downs that counts. If one team dominates offensive possession and racks up first downs while minimizing the other team’s offense, that could still result in a low combined first down total in the game.