Super Bowl: Best bets and tips for the specials and props markets

There are hundreds of special bets available on the big game in Atlanta and here are a few that stand out as excellent punting opportunities.

Best player bet
Over 3.5 Rob Gronkowski receptions

There has been talk of New England tight end Rob Gronkowski retiring - he has struggled with back and ankle problems this season - but he remains one of quarterback Tom Brady's favourite targets.

Brady should be looking to get the ball away quickly - don't expect him to be rushing around out of the pocket and Gronkowski remains an excellent outlet.

Gronk was used extensively in the closing stages of the AFC Championship victory over Kansas City and could be heavily involved if pressure from the Rams defence prevents Brady from going long, which is likely.

Next best
Over 40.5 CJ Anderson rushing yards

Anderson only signed for the Rams the week before Christmas but the running back has made a big impression, shouldering some of the rushing burden from the prolific Todd Gurley, who has been struggling with a knee injury.

Anderson rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas in the divisional round and the former Carolina and Denver star had the lion's share of the action against New Orleans in the NFC Championship game.

Coach Sean McVay has been getting out of this two-pronged running attack and it will be no surprise if Anderson plays a key role again.

Best match bet
Under 7.5 total punts

Plenty of the play in Atlanta could be on the ground with the majority of passes thrown close to the line of scrimmage and these are two teams who have a decent third-down conversion rate.

The Patriots converted 61 per cent of time in such situations during the playoffs while the Rams were ranked fifth in the NFL in that statistic during the regular season.

Both coaches may be prepared to go for it when short distances are needed to claim an extra four downs so it could be that the total-punts line is touch high at 7.5.

Next best
Two-point conversion attempted

The extra-point mark was moved back to the 15-yard line at the start of the 2015 season and teams are much more prone to go for two points after a touchdown than they used to be.

The Patriots have tended to be cautious in this respect but their epic victory over Atlanta two years ago showed they still have the ability and nerve to try it.

Both teams have reliable kickers but it is worth chancing that there is at least one occasion when the touchdown-scoring team look to push home their advantage - the Rams went for it six times in the regular season.

New England's Julian Edelman in action against the LA ChargersCredit: Al Bello

Other selections
Over 82.5 Julian Edelman receiving yards
Over 8.5 Cory Littleton tackles & assists
A Donald to be the MVP

With the pressure on Brady likely to come on the inside, the Patriots quarterback will be keen to release the ball early and that points to a big game for slot receiver Julian Edelman.

Along with Gronkowski, Edelman played an integral role in the closing stages of the win over the Chiefs and has had 16 receptions for a total of 247 yards in his two post-season outings.

Edelman has chalked up at least 69 yards in ten of his last 11 appearances and should make another big contribution.

Keep an eye on Rams linebacker Cory Littleton if the Pats look to attack the centre of the field.

He had 11 tackles in the victory over the Saints and has had seven or more tackles and assists in 13 of his last 16 games, so he is interestingly priced to record nine or more this time.

The MVP award has been dominated by winning quarterbacks with nine of the last 12 picking up the honour.

It would be amazing if Brady doesn't win in the event of a Patriots success - it may be worth taking the 11-10 on that happening rather than a New England win if you fancy the Pats.

However, Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald had 20.5 sacks during the regular season and he could take the honours at a big price if he puts in another dominant display.

Recommendations
Over 3.5 R Gronkowski receptions
3pts 8-11 bet365
Over 40.5 CJ Anderson rushing yards
2pts 5-6 bet365
Under 7.5 total punts
2pts 10-11 bet365
Two-point conversion attempted
1pt 11-10 Betfred, Coral
Over 82.5 J Edelman receiving yards
2pts Evens Betfair
Over 8.5 C Littleton tackles & assists
2pts 10-11 bet365
A Donald to be voted MVP
1pt 20-1 Hills

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