Special Teams Props to Target for Super Bowl LVIII
Super Bowl Special Teams Props: KC's Butker Perfect in Playoffs
Super Bowls can turn on a dime with a big special teams play. Just last year, Kansas City’s Kadarius Toney had a record-breaking 65-yard punt return — the longest in Super Bowl history — that helped set up a touchdown as the Chiefs pulled away for a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
So, while a majority of bettors will be focused on the spread or more popular player props featuring the likes of Patrick Mahomes or Christian McCaffrey for Super Bowl LVIII (Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m. ET), there’s value to be found on special teams.
With that in mind, here’s a few of our favorite Super Bowl special teams props for Chiefs-49ers.
Harrison Butker: Over 1.5 FG Made (-110)
Where do we start? Butker had arguably his best season as a Chief, connecting on 33-of-35 field-goal attempts (94.5%), including all five from 50-plus yards. His 137 points were fourth-most in the NFL. That success has carried into the postseason, where Butker’s a perfect 7-for-7 on field goals.
The defending Super Bowl champions won’t want to settle for field goals, but if they must, Butker is apt to come through. He’s hit this prop in five of the last seven games, including both the wild card and divisional round.
San Francisco’s defense has looked vulnerable of late. However, it’s still capable of providing a dominant pass rush with Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave and limiting a quality offense like Kansas City. If so, count on Butker knocking at least two kicks through the uprights at -110 NFL betting odds.
Jake Moody: Over 2.5 PAT Made (-125)
Say what you want about Brock Purdy, but the 49ers’ offense keeps getting it done. In back-to-back weeks, they’ve overcome deficits of seven and 17 points to survive and move on.
While the 49ers haven’t faced a defense quite like Kansas City’s yet this postseason, there’s no underestimating their capabilities with Christian McCaffrey and a healthy Deebo Samuel.
The 49ers scored the third-most points in the NFL during the regular season. Moody attempted 61 extra points, of which he missed only one. He is a perfect 7-for-7 this postseason.
Kansas City has given up more than two touchdowns just once in three playoff games. Yet judging by the Over/Under of 47.5, oddsmakers expect this to be a relatively high-scoring Super Bowl.
Longest Kickoff Return: Under 27.5 Yards (-115)
Kansas City ranked 10th in the league in touchback percentage, with 83.8% of its kickoffs resulting in touchbacks. Meanwhile, San Francisco was 25th at just 62.3%. League-wide, fewer than 20% of kickoffs were returned.
Even if these teams do get the opportunity to return a kick, neither special teams unit has shown the ability to rip off a long run. Ray-Ray McCloud III, San Francisco’s top returner, averaged 22.5 yards per return. Kansas City’s Richie James was a smidge behind him with an average of 20.4 yards.
This Super Bowl special teams prop may not seem like a high bar to clear, but with kickoffs clearly behind phased out, it’s difficult to trust.
Ray-Ray McCloud III Punt Return Yards: Under 15.5 (-105)
McCloud has yet to return a punt in the playoffs. During the NFL regular season, he averaged only 8.5 return yards on punts with a long of 15 yards.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, have consistently fielded one of the league’s top NFL special teams units.
If we’re sticking with recent trends, the Under on this Super Bowl special teams prop may be the play.
For Super Bowl predictions, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
