Five novelty tips to consider for Super Bowl LIII

While Sunday's showdown between the New England Patriots and LA Rams is sure to be a thriller, here are five wagers to consider away from what happens on the field . . .

Gladys Knight national anthem under 109.5 seconds
10-11 Sky Bet
There’s a chance to make some money before the game even starts, and some of the markets on the national anthem are worth looking at.

It should be noted that the Star Spangled Banner hasn’t been sung in less than one minute and 49 seconds at a Super Bowl since Kelly Clarkson in 2012, but there is reason to believe it could happen this year.

A recording of Gladys Knight performing the song in 1991 comes in at a swift 92 seconds, meaning the Empress of Soul will have needed to add an extra 18 seconds to go over the line this time.

Under bets on the anthem have come out on top in nine of the last 12 Super Bowls, with Pink smashing the line by eight seconds last year, and the bet looks to have potential once again.

Sweet Victory first half-time song by Maroon 5
17-2 Paddy Power

A flash of SpongeBob SquarePants in Maroon 5’s half-time show hype video suggests that the famous cartoon character could be making an appearance, and there is reason to think the pop group could open with the cartoon’s hit song.

Lyrics-wise it suits the situation perfectly, and has an opening that could open any setlist. If you prefer playing it safe, it is 4-11 with Sky Bet to be performed at any time, slashed from the 4-7 available at the start of the week.

Over 7.5 songs played during half-time show
5-6 Paddy Power
If you were backing this line between 2000 and 2010, you would have been a winner just once, when an all-star line-up including Janet Jackson, P Diddy and Kid Rock took to the stage to wow the Houston crowd in 2004.

However, things have changed since then and performers with an extensive back catalogue tend to opt for a medley to get in all of their hits in rather than playing full songs. Last year Justin Timberlake’s show featured 11 tracks, while Katy Perry and Coldplay have also beaten the line in 2015 and 2016.

Given Maroon 5’s variety of top tunes, expect a quickfire medley to set the Mercedes-Benz Stadium alight.

A commentator to say "end-around"
Evens Sky Bet
There are a range of commentator bingo options on offer from bookmakers, with plenty at short odds. ‘Kurt Warner’, the quarterback who led the Rams to their Super Bowl success in 1999, looks certain to get a mention, which is why it's 1-10.

But with plenty of trick plays in the arsenals of both sides, "end-around" - a running play where the wide receiver carries the ball - looks a good bet, particularly when you factor in that the offences lend themselves to that type of play. The danger is that the commentators could incorrectly call it a reverse.

Sky Bet's market is settled on the Sky Sports commentary of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo - check the market rules if betting with other bookmakers.

Winning coach Gatorade shower colour to be yellow
3-1 Sky Bet
This is a difficult one to predict, but yellow looks the most sensible bet. If the Patriots win, then it’s highly likely Bill Belichick will avoid the shower, as he has done in two of the five Super Bowls he has won as head coach, including in 2017.

In that case the bet will be void, so it’s worth considering what colour it could be if the Rams win.

It’s possible Sean McVay simply gets soaked with water, but we haven’t seen that happen since Super Bowl 42. Yellow has long been one associated with the Rams and was also seen last year when Philadelphia were victorious.

New England head coach Bill Belichick gets soaked with blue Gatorade after his side defeated Seattle to win Super Bowl XLIXCredit: Stephen Dunn (Getty Images)

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