IT’S less than a week until Super Bowl 50 kicks off in California and the focus for one of the biggest sporting events on the globe has shifted to the men on the field.
The opposing quarterbacks for both teams, Peyton Manning and Cam Newton, have been glowing in their praise for one another as one looks to set out onto the big stage for the first time, while the other could be bidding farewell.
What are the headlines leading into Super Bowl 50 that could have an effect on betting markets? Where can we find value in the odds?
Cam Newton embraces Super Bowl spotlight
It’s the pedestal that Newton was always destined to step up to.
The likely NFL MVP has been to the Superbowl many times throughout his career, but this will be the first time he takes to the field as a player.
The former number one draft pick is relishing his time in the sun.
“I’ve always attended the festivities leading up to the Super Bowl for sponsorships and what not. But the actual game, I’ve never been to because I wanted it to be just like this.” Newton said.
Newton is paying just $1.67 to win the Super Bowl 50 MVP at Sportsbet.com.au
“I wanted to take it all in. I didn’t want to see the performances or the festivities pre-game and just feel the atmosphere when I’m not rooting for my team.”
Newton has had a career year in Carolina, breaking a number of personal and franchise records in the process.
Newton’s Super Bowl opponent, Peyton Manning, believes it will be a travesty if he is not named the 2015/16 league MVP.
“He’s just had this incredible year. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s going to be the MVP on Saturday night,” Manning said.
“What he’s done in the short time being an NFL quarterback, he’s been awesome. He’s been awesome. That’s the best word I can think of.”
It almost felt like a passing of the baton from the greatest quarterback of the modern era to the heir apparent – a fact that was not lost on Newton.
“Anything The Sheriff says you can probably ink it in gold,” he said.
Peyton Manning’s pending retirement
It looms as the most important match of Peyton Manning’s illustrious career.
In the wake of his ‘last rodeo’ comment to Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick, speculation has been rife as to whether Super Bowl 50 will be the last time NFL fans see Manning grace an NFL field.
Manning was in a jocular mood when asked about whether or not 2016 will be the last time we see him on the field.
“I’m going to go participate in rodeos now. I’ve got the lasso,” Manning joked.
“You’ve totally missed the point.”
Manning later clarified his post-match comment.
“I told Brady the same thing, previously to telling Belichick. I understand there are people out there. But I understand this really could be it and I wanted to tell both of them I really have enjoyed these games,” Manning said.
“It’s been a part of my football life. It’s been good for me and not so good for me. Hey, Brady’s going to play until he’s 70. Belichick’s going to coach until he’s 90. Maybe I’ll hit the fountain of youth sometime in the month and we’ll play 10 more championships against each other.
“But just in case we don’t, I took the time to tell them man-to-man, looked them in the eye and shook their hands and I’m glad I did that because it’s important to me they knew it.”
Manning is paying $4.50 for the MVP of Super Bowl 50 at Sportsbet.com.au
His opposite number on Sunday, Cam Newton, was likened to Manning by a reporter during the Super Bowl press conference during the week.
Newton’s comments summed up the league’s feelings on the retiring great.
“Any time you get compared to Peyton Manning you’re doing something right.” Newton said.
Win lose or draw, there is no denying Manning has been one of the greatest quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen, and his presence on the field will have a huge say in the outcome of Super Bowl 50.
Super Bowl 50 betting promotions
William Hill have a terrific promotion heading into Super Bowl 50.
Place a head-to-head bet on the 2016 Super Bowl and receive $1 cash for every point your team scores.
There’s a minimum bet of $30 clause attached to the deal.
Both teams are capable of putting up big numbers so this promo is a must-bet.
Sportsbet are running a massive first touchdown scorer promotion for the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza.
Place a first touchdown scorer bet on Super Bowl, and if your player misses out on scoring a TD first but catches the second or the third you get cash back – up to $50.
Finally, Luxbet have a great money back special if you are anticipating a tight Super Bowl 50.
Place a head-to-head bet on the Super Bowl and if your team loses by 7 points or less, Luxbet will give you bonus bets equal to your stake up to $100.
