Seahawks favored against Pats in Super Bowl, heavy betting on Walker, Smith-Njigba

The Seattle Seahawks are favored to win the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, with significant betting interest in key players like Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Why it matters: The betting landscape surrounding the Super Bowl reflects the growing confidence in the Seahawks’ offensive capabilities, particularly with their emerging stars.

  • A remarkable 60% of the money wagered on the point spread at DraftKings Sportsbook is backing the Seahawks to cover a 4.5-point spread.
  • Smith-Njigba has garnered attention not only for scoring a touchdown but also as a strong contender for the MVP award.

What’s new: The dynamics of betting have shifted in favor of the Seahawks leading up to the championship game.

  • Kenneth Walker III's receiving yards prop (over 20.5) has attracted more bets than any other proposition at BetMGM, highlighting his expected involvement in the passing game.
  • Meanwhile, Smith-Njigba has drawn the most bets to score a touchdown and is second in MVP odds behind quarterback Sam Darnold.

Yes, but: While the Seahawks enjoy substantial support, the Patriots are no strangers to playoff success.

  • Historically, Nevada sportsbooks have experienced significant losses when the Patriots are involved in low-scoring upsets; they suffered a notable $2.6 million loss during the Giants' upset of the Patriots in 2008.
  • Christian Cipollini noted, "The Patriots winning in a low-scoring game would be the best outcome for the sportsbook," indicating a desire for a scenario that minimizes payouts to bettors.

The bottom line: The Seahawks offensive prowess and the betting public's enthusiasm create a compelling narrative as we approach the Super Bowl.

  • With Smith-Njigba and Darnold accounting for 40% of the money wagered on MVP odds at DraftKings, their performances could be pivotal in determining the outcome of both the game and the betting landscape.
  • Notably, Nevada sportsbooks reported a record profit of $22.1 million on last year's Super Bowl, reflecting the lucrative potential of these high-stakes games.

Zoom Out: As the Super Bowl approaches, the financial implications extend beyond fan engagement.

  • In 2025, Nevada sportsbooks recorded over $203 million in profits from football, showcasing the sport's growing economic impact.
  • The betting patterns observed this year could inform strategies for future matchups, especially as the popularity of player prop bets continues to rise.

In summary, the Seahawks stand as clear favorites with a robust betting narrative, yet the unpredictable nature of the Super Bowl ensures that all eyes will remain keenly focused on both teams and their key players.

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