Super Bowl King of Props: Carrying the load for the Chiefs

The betting options for the Super Bowl likewise reflect familiar and foreign elements. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of props, especially since many are unique to this event. In the run-up to kickoff, all of the KOP’s favorite investment opportunities will be posted here at Yardbarker.

Bet #1: Under 5½ Chiefs players to have a rushing attempt (DraftKings)

This line seems largely attributable to what transpired in the divisional round, when seven different Chiefs got a carry against the Jaguars. But a closer examination reveals some extenuating circumstances producing that total.

First, Mahomes’ ankle injury meant playing time for backup quarterback Chad Henne, who had a kneel-down to end the first half. Second, No. 2 tight end Noah Gray took a direct snap on a third-and-1. It was just his second rushing attempt of the season – with both coming the same way – and he got stuffed for no gain.

The early-season starter at tailback, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, has been on IR since Week 12. If he returns to action in the Super Bowl, it will likely be at the expense of Ronald Jones, who got just one carry in the AFC Championship. Meanwhile, fullback Michael Burton played only on special teams in that game.

With Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon handling most of the ground work, Kansas City has stayed under this total in 14 of its last 16 games. The only exceptions happened when someone other than Mahomes took a snap.

The Chiefs didn’t reach six rushers in either of their two previous Super Bowls under Reid – and the smart money says they won’t this time either.