Handicapping Super Bowl 50, Part 4: Relevant Statistics

In past years, the Super Bowl was a big deal mainly in the USA, but recently it has become a global phenomenon.  As discussed in my previous article Handicapping Super Bowl 50 Part 1, in the UK the NFL has become more popular than ever.  If you are thinking about betting on Super Bowl 50, you have picked a very interesting year.  The Carolina Panthers are playing the Denver Broncos, with the Panthers favoured by 4 points.  Be sure to read the other three parts of this series (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) to learn more about the game and some of the factors at play. 

I will share some interesting statistics with you that may help you to make your bets:

• This is the eighth time that the Broncos will be in the Super Bowl.  That is the record for most appearances ever, but it is one that the team shares with the Patriots, Cowboys, and Steelers.  Note that the Broncos beat the Patriots in the playoffs to make it to this game.

• Unfortunately, the Broncos also have the record for most Super Bowls ever lost—five total.  Of course, considering how few teams have been in as many to begin with, it is not surprising they hold both records.

• Peyton Manning, the Broncos’ quarterback, has been in four Super Bowls under four different coaches.  This game will make him the oldest quarterback to ever start a Super Bowl.

• This is the first year in the team’s history that the Broncos led the NFL in total defence. 

• The Panthers have only been in the Super Bowl one other time, back in 2003, a game they lost.  The team is one of only 13 active franchises in the NFL to never win a Super Bowl.  Only two players who were on the team in 2003 are still in the league.  Neither is currently on the Panthers’ roster.

• If the Panthers win the Super Bowl, they will have won 18 games in a season.  This will make them the fourth team to achieve that record.

• In 2015, Cam Newton set a record by becoming the first player in the history of the game to throw for 35 touchdowns and rush for 10 in a single season.

Those are just a few of the relevant statistics that can help to shed some light on the upcoming Super Bowl 50 game.  These can get you started on your analysis, but they are only the tip of the iceberg.  I recommend that you conduct comprehensive research while you are making your betting decisions. 

But remember, game outcomes are determined by far more than just statistics.  There are all kinds of intangible factors which you need to weigh into account as well.  And in the end, a fluke may still determine the outcome of the game.  No matter what happens, one thing is guaranteed—and that is that this will be an exciting game that will go down in history!  If you make smart betting decisions and luck is on your side, it could be a profitable one for you too!