I grew up playing virtually every sport. We didn't have soccer in the 70's and I thank God for that.
What we did have was flag football and then tackle football. We had baseball and basketball. And track. And golf.
I loved playing sports and despite the fact I was virtually talent free, I continued to engage in sports. When I could no longer freely engage in sports while maintaining an ever-increasing interest in sports, the next best thing was to bet sports.
I had a wonderful week of sports wagering this week. I went 5-2 last night even after the Memphis Grizzlies squandered a 35 point lead. Which brings me to Super Bowl Sunday. Second only to Christmas to my way of holiday thinking.
In the old days, I gave up the Christmas party in lieu of the Super Bowl party. Much alcohol was consumed at these events which included our own version of halftime. We played Kiss at extraordinary volume and included "Detroit Rock City" and "Lick It Up" until people in the neighboring town began to complain.
So much fun. So little time. My ex hated that day even more than she hated me.
Which brings me to Superbowl Sunday. (Full disclosure, I have 100 each bet on Cincinnati +4 and the total game score above 48.5.)
I take a scientific approach to sports betting. I compare every position. And then injuries. And then the "what have you done for me lately" methodology. Followed by my secret Super Bowl test question.
Is Chase a better receiver than Kupp? The Rams certainly have a better defense. I give the nod in quarterbacks to Joe Burrow. Running backs? Even. Home field advantage? Rams. But it's "the what have you done for me recently?" methodology that had me siding with the Bengals.
The Bengals knocked off the AFC champion Titans at home. Then they went in and beat the Kansas City Chiefs at home after KC had miraculously beat the Bills. I wanted to see the Bills in the Super Bowl in the worst way.
The Rams beat Tampa Bay badly. Brady looked horrible all day long for the Bucs and then retired. The Rams went home to face a San Francisco team who had beaten them 6 times in a row. They managed to squeak by a 3 point win.
Who had it tougher in the playoffs? Advantage, Cincinnati.
Who had quality wins and losses in the regular season? The Rams. In fact, all of their losses were top tier opponents. Cinncinati lost to the Bears and Jets. Horrible teams.
So the Rams should prevail in a playoff season full of close calls but I see the Bengals covering the points in a close game. I'd be shocked to see either team run away with this. I am also bothered by the fact that all of the gambling steam is on the Bengals right now.
I view the Superbowl differently than my day-to-day wagering. For me this is simply cast-off money on a game where there is no material advantage anywhere. I wouldn't even bet this game in a free contest where today- I took the over in the Minnesota-Pacers game.
So enjoy the national spectacle today. It will be back to the bad news grind tomorrow.
