Who doesn’t love seeing a good defensive play in the Super Bowl? Here are the best defensive prop wagers for Super Bowl LVI.
Don’t Pass on Aaron Donald
Players like Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Germaine Pratt have been well-backed in NFL betting markets to make a big play.
The end result often turns on one defensive play, so we look at the lucrative betting options for first sack and first interception.
Super Bowl LVI Bengals vs. Rams Odds by BetUs
Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bengals | +4½ ( -115 ) | 48½ ( -110 ) | +200 | ![]() |
Rams | -4½ ( -105 ) | 48½ ( -110 ) | -170 | |
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Player to Record First Sack
No Ducking for Donald
Aaron Donald comes alive in big games, so Joe Burrow better be aware of the best defensive player in the NFL.
Donald had 12½ regular-season sacks for the Los Angeles Rams, and we’re confident he can add another in the big dance.
The 30-year-old is a one-man wrecking crew. Given how fragile the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line has proven to be, Donald is the Bengals’ biggest problem in the game.
Burrow is good at escaping pressure, but the Ram rusher will be there, even if double-teamed.
Donald had a chance to win the Super Bowl in 2018 but took it for granted. Something he won’t be doing this time.
“This time around, I could honestly say you appreciate it that much more,” Donald told The Rams Wire. “Not saying I didn’t appreciate it the first time, but you get there the first time, you’re kind of thinking you’re going to get back the next year, it don’t work like that. Having an opportunity to battle and find a way to get here, you just appreciate it that much more.”
NFL odds have Donald at +400 to record the first sack, which means he’s favored, ahead of Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson. Given how many times Burrow has been sacked so far in the playoffs, Donald is going to get some chances.
There’s a case for Donald as Super Bowl MVP if he’s able to rush the passer all night long.
Pick: Aaron Donald to Get First Sack (+400)
Player to Record First Interception
The Big Apple
Eli Apple wasn’t the most sought-after cornerback when he left the Carolina Panthers, but he’s coming off his best year.
The 26-year-old recorded two interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and a 25-yard average return. The numbers aren’t mind-blowing, but we think he’s in for a big Super Bowl.
NFL odds are being generous with the former Ohio State star, who’s at +1200 to record the first interception. It’s a value price for a confident player who has been vocal in the press about his former teams.
Despite the unwanted attention, Apple is our pick to record the first pick.
Pick: Eli Apple to Get First Interception (+1200)
Total Sacks
Expect a Sackful of Sacks
Super Bowl betting markets have a prop bet involving the total number of sacks, which could offer bettors with excellent value.
Super Bowl defensive props aren’t easily predicted, but the generous odds make them enticing.
We think Super Bowl LVI will feature plenty of sacks, so we’re going to ignore the zero sacks option, which pays +2500. We’re also safely assuming there will be more than one sack.
The option we’re favoring is four sacks at +375. We think Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow could get brought down in the backfield twice each.
Burrow, however, is confident his offensive line will stand up against the Rams pass rush.
“They’re a very good defensive front,” Burrow told NFL.com. “It’s going to be a challenge for our guys, but they’ve worked really hard to put themselves in this position. And I know that our coaching staff has a great plan for them that they’re going to be able to go out and execute. But obviously, guys like Aaron Donald, Leonard Floyd, Von Miller are guys that are going to get pressure.”
Despite Burrow’s confidence of staying on his feet, he will likely be sacked multiple times. Therefore, take the NFL prop odds of +375.
Pick: Four Sacks in Game (+375)