Of the nearly limitless ways to bet on Super Bowl 58, one popular choice over the years has been wagering on how many first downs there will be during the game. In Super Bowl 58 between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, the total number of first downs in the game was 47, putting it well over the mark set by several sportsbooks.
Betting the over/under on Super Bowl first downs is an option at most sportsbooks ahead of the game. Here’s a look at what you need to know about betting on Super Bowl 58 first downs.
First down betting for Super Bowl 58
Odds for the total number of first downs at Super Bowl 58 were available from FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook.
| Total number of first downs in Super Bowl 58 | FanDuel Sportsbook | DraftKings Sportsbook |
| Over 41.5 | +106 | -105 |
| Under 41.5 | -130 | -115 |
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 Super Bowl props? Check our guides for what’s available at top Super Bowl betting sites.
Super Bowl first down history
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 Super Bowls:
- 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 43 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.