The Best Super Bowl Parlay Bets: Top Picks for the Big Game

A Super Bowl parlay is a single bet that combines two or more individual wagers—also known as "legs"—from the Super Bowl matchup. 

To win a parlay bet, every individual wager included must win; if even one leg fails, the entire bet loses. This all-or-nothing aspect increases both the risk and the potential payout, making parlays an exciting way to engage with the game.

For example, you might place a parlay bet that includes the Kansas City Chiefs winning the game, Patrick Mahomes throwing for over 300 yards, and Christian McCaffrey Anytime TD scorer for the opposing team. If all three outcomes occur, you win big; if any one of them doesn't, you lose your entire stake.

Understanding Same Game Parlays

Same Game Parlays (SGPs), also known as One Game Parlays or Single Game Parlays, allow you to combine multiple bets from the same game into one parlay. This betting option has become increasingly popular, especially for significant events like the Super Bowl.

SGPs are appealing because they enable bettors to leverage correlated outcomes. 

For instance, if you believe the game will be high-scoring, you might bet on the over for total points, specific players to score touchdowns, and quarterbacks to surpass certain yardage thresholds. Many sportsbooks, including DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook, offer dedicated Same Game Parlay tabs in their NFL sections, making it easier to construct these bets.

Higher Potential Payouts

• Better Odds: Combining multiple wagers increases the odds exponentially, offering the chance for a significant return on a relatively small stake.
• Win Big: The allure of turning a modest bet into a substantial payout is a major draw for parlay bettors.

Increased Engagement

• Exciting Ways to Bet: Parlays keep you engaged throughout the game, as multiple outcomes need to occur for you to win.
• Multiple Wagers: With a single bet, you're invested in various aspects of the game, from the first half to the final whistle.

Flexibility

• Varied Odds: You can include bets with different odds, from favorites to underdogs, enhancing your potential payout.
• Correlated Outcomes: By selecting events likely to occur together, you can strategize your parlay for a higher chance of success.

How to Build a Winning Super Bowl Parlay

Research is Key

• Study Team Performance: Analyze both teams' regular-season and playoff games to identify trends.
• Player Statistics: Look into individual performances during the regular season and playoffs. For example, assess Patrick Mahomes' passing yards or Christian McCaffrey Anytime TD stats.

Choose Correlated Outcomes

• Correlated Bets: Select bets that are likely to occur together. For instance, if you believe the Kansas City Chiefs will dominate, you might bet on them to win, Patrick Mahomes to have over 300 passing yards, and the team to score over 30 points.
• Same Game Parlays: Utilize SGPs to combine these correlated bets within the same game.

Limit the Number of Legs

• Manage Risk: While more legs mean higher potential payouts, they also increase the risk. A parlay bet with three or more legs is common, but adding too many can make winning exceedingly difficult.
• Minimum Odds: Some sportsbooks require a minimum odds threshold for parlays, especially when using bonus bets or promotions.

Use a Parlay Calculator

• Calculate Potential Payouts: A parlay calculator helps you understand the potential return based on your selected bets.
• Expected Value: Assess the expected value of your parlay to determine if it's a worthwhile wager.

1. Shop Around for the Best Odds

• Compare Sportsbooks: Different sportsbooks offer varied odds. Comparing multiple sportsbooks can maximize your potential payout.
• Offer Odds: Look for enhanced odds on Super Bowl parlays.

2. Stay Informed

• Injury Reports: Player availability can significantly impact the game. Keep an eye on injury updates.
• Weather Conditions: External factors like weather can affect performance, especially in outdoor stadiums.

3. Manage Your Bankroll

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you're willing to wager on Super Bowl Sunday and stick to it.
• Avoid Chasing Losses: If a bet loses, don't immediately try to recover by placing larger bets.

How Odds Are Calculated in a Super Bowl Parlay

Understanding how odds work in a parlay is crucial for any bettor.

Multiplication of Individual Odds

• Total Odds: In a parlay, the odds of each leg are multiplied to calculate the total odds.
• Example Calculation:
  • Leg 1: Chiefs to win at +150 (2.5 decimal odds)
  • Leg 2: Over 54.5 points at -110 (1.91 decimal odds)
  • Leg 3: Mahomes over 300 passing yards at +120 (2.2 decimal odds)
  • Total Odds: 2.5 x 1.91 x 2.2 = 10.505

Potential Payout

• Bet Slip: When you add these legs to your bet slip, the sportsbook will automatically calculate the potential payout.
• Example: A $10 wager at total odds of 10.505 would yield a potential return of $105.05.

Examples of Popular Super Bowl Parlay Bets

To help you visualize how parlays work, here is a table showcasing examples of Super Bowl parlay bets, including their legs, individual odds, total odds, and potential payouts.

Parlays are complex bets, and it's essential to understand their mechanics fully.

All or Nothing

• Bet Loses if One Leg Fails: The parlay bet loses entirely if any single leg doesn't win.
• Higher Risk: This structure makes parlays riskier than individual bets.

Correlated Outcomes and Restrictions

• Correlated Outcomes: Some sportsbooks restrict certain combinations of bets that are too closely related (e.g., betting on a team to win and the opposing quarterback to throw under a certain number of yards).
• Same Game Parlays: SGPs often allow for these correlated bets but may adjust the odds accordingly.

Many sportsbooks offer bonus bets, free bets, or promotions during the Super Bowl.

Understanding Bonus Bets

• Non-Withdrawable Bonus Bets: These are credits given by the sportsbook that cannot be withdrawn but can be used to place bets.
• Qualifying Bet: Often, you must place a qualifying bet to receive the bonus.
• Read the Fine Print: Understand the terms, such as minimum odds and wagering requirements.
• One Bonus Per Customer: Most promotions are limited to one per customer, household, or IP address.

Responsible Gambling Practices

Recognize the Signs of a Gambling Problem

• Chasing Losses: Continuously trying to win back lost money.
• Betting Beyond Means: Wagering more money than you can afford to lose.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, family, or social obligations due to gambling.

Seek Help if Needed

• Gambling Problem Resources: Organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling offer support.
• Self-Exclusion: Most sportsbooks allow you to limit or exclude yourself from betting.

Betting on Super Bowl parlays offers an exciting avenue to engage with the big game, providing the potential for significant payouts through the combination of multiple wagers. 

By understanding how parlay bets work, utilizing same game parlays, and employing strategic research and responsible gambling practices, you can enhance your Super Bowl experience.

Remember, while the prospect of a big win is enticing, it's crucial to gamble responsibly. Set a budget, understand the risks, and most importantly, enjoy the game for what it is—a celebration of football at its highest level.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, resources are available to help you navigate these challenges.