Super Bowl 50

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Brewers Association Sends Peyton Manning A Craft Beer Package

No, not fans of the Milwaukee Brewers who may be partial to Miller-Coors.

Brewers slide

Following his Super Bowl 50 win, and likely his ride into the sunset of an incredible career, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning told CBS’s Tracy Wolfson, “I’m going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight…I promise you that.”

It felt like one more ad for Budweiser, although not nearly as good as the one featuring Helen Mirren. Some people were angered by the gesture, calling Manning a sellout. I had no problem with it, considering someone does the same thing every year or yells that they are “going to Disney World!” It turns out that Manning wasn’t paid by Budweiser to say anything, according to the head of their marketing-communications department.

Maybe Manning just really likes Budweiser. I don’t mind it myself, but I would prefer drinking craft beer…and so do the Brewers Association.

Posted by CraftBeer.com (the official medium of the Brewers Association), the “not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers” has sent Manning a care package of some of their favorite beers.

“Wouldn’t he rather have a beer more fitting of his superstardom; maybe a beer that more closely represents the Bronco’s status as an underdog? That’s what we believe small and independent craft brewers represent.” 

Here are the beers included in Peyton’s package (get your mind out of the gutter):

  • Black Bavarian (German-style Schwarzbier) | Sprecher Brewing Co. | Glendale, WI
  • Apricot Blonde (Blonde Ale) | Dry Dock Brewing Co. | Aurora, CO
  • Craft Lager (American Lager) | Upslope Brewing Co. | Boulder, CO
  • Colorado Kolsch (German-style Kolsch) | Steamworks Brewing Co. | Durango, CO
  • Racer 5 IPA (India Pale Ale) | Bear Republic Brewing Co. | Healdsburg, CA
  • Samuel Adams Boston Lager (Vienna-style Lager) | Boston Beer Co. | Boston, MA
  • Mojo IPA (India Pale Ale) | Boulder Beer Co. | Boulder, CO
  • Sawtooth Ale Nitro (Extra Special Bitter) | Left Hand Brewing Co. | Longmont, CO
  • Session Cream Summer Ale (Cream Ale) | Full Sail Brewing Co. | Hood River, OR
  • Graham Cracker Porter (American Porter) | Denver Beer Co. | Denver, CO

What other craft brews would you recommend to Peyton Manning? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter.

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The Best Super Bowl 50 Commercials

If you are a big Broncos fan or really love defensive play, then you probably enjoyed the game. If not, well…at least we had the commercials.

I’m not sure there was one ad during last night’s Super Bowl broadcast on CBS that will go down as an all-time favorite, but there were some very good ones – Puppies, a meaningful PSA, Superheroes, two well placed songs, and a casting that probably was cooler to some than others.

At times, you wondered “They really paid $5 million for that?” Like that detergent that nobody’s heard of…or the F’ing PuppyMonkeyBaby. I’m good not spending my money on Mountain Dew for a long time. Was there really a Scientology ad too? Glad I didn’t notice that one.

When you’re forced to sit down and remember what stuck out to you the day after, these are the commercials that worked.

“Commander” Audi

For those of us who are still looking up at the stars to see if Bowie is winking back down at us, this ad was cool. Audi also chose to use my favorite song choice from Oscar-nominated “The Martian”, which I’ve listened to at least 3 times a week since seeing it in theaters.

 

“Ultrasound” Doritos

This may not have been as funny to expecting mothers as it was to me, but come on…Doritos picked a solid one from their annual Super Bowl ad contest. Considering I was a baby shower the day before, it tickled me a little more.

 

“Hulk vs. Ant-Man” Coca-Cola

It felt strange not seeing any polar bears from Coca-Cola this year, but like Bud Light pointed out early on…”everybody loves Paul Rudd.” Believe it or not, I thought this pop commercial was better than any of the Batman v. Superman trailers and teasers we’ve gotten so far.

 

“Wiener Stampede” Heinz

You can’t go wrong with puppies, and Heinz nailed it. If I had a Top 3, this is certainly in there.

 

“Give A Damn” Budweiser

Budweiser didn’t give their Clydesdales much air time in their previous ad (which was really dumb in its own right. Why waste money ripping craft beer when your company acquires those same brewers right and left?) However, Helen Mirren made up for all of that and then some giving a very necessary message with the right platform. Don’t drink and drive, dumbasses.

 

“Getaway Car” Toyota Prius

Two things make this commercial awesome, to me at least. 1. The Sobotka family from season 2 of The Wire (Chris Bauer, James Ransone and Pablo Schreiber) 2. in a Chicago “Blues Brothers”-like chase scene. They almost made driving a Prius look cool.

 

“Someone To Love” Honda

Queen in any ad works. Sheep singing one of their better ensemble songs and a “voice over” works even better. Also in my Top 3.

 

“The Walken Closet’ Kia

How could you not love Christopher Walken…”Punch it, Richard!” killed me in my recliner.

 

“Cranky Marilyn” Snickers

I hope Snickers never runs out of ideas on this campaign. Betty White playing football and Abe Vigoda (*skypoint*) getting decked a few years ago, Danny Trejo as Marsha Brady…Willem Dafoe isn’t quite on Christopher Walken’s, but he’s one of the best angry actors to ever put a dress on. I’ll stand by that hyperbole.

 

What were your favorite commercials from Super Bowl 50? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter! 

 

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#SB50 Roundup: Prop Bets, Podcast, Playlist and More

 

Tonight’s the night…

(5:30 PM CT for kickoff, to be exact)

A week (and a year) of hype for the 50th installment of THE BIGGEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE WORLD. All caps necessary. 

Here on MichaelPiff.com we did everything we could to get you prepared for the “Big Game”. 

ALL THE PROP BETS…

From the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach to the combination of tonight’s victor and our next President, listed HERE. 

The Piffcast…

We brought back the show just in time for Super Bowl 50! Don’t forget to post your Super Bowl Party spread to Facebook or Twitter. The tastiest looking pic wins the first Piffcast Prize Pack. One of the things included is mentioned early in the show, so listen up!

 

The Playlist…

For your Super Bowl party, check out the music from the artists we listed in the “Denver vs. Carolina: Everything But Football” breakdown…and the Halftime acts too. 

 

And more…

Like the 2016 NFL Bad Lip Reading videos…Parts I

…and II. 

 

Follow along on Twitter during the game and don’t forget to send your Super Bowl Spread pics to @Mike_PiFF03 for a chance at the first ever Piffcast Prize Pack

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NFL Bad Lip Reading 2016: Part II

“He’s weird, he’s weird, and HE’S WEIRD!”

 

Three days after “Part I” hit the interweb, Bad Lip Reading struck again with plenty of things Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins, John Fox and others probably didn’t say…but we can imagine now.

Keep this in mind when you watch Peyton Manning and Cam Newton go at it this weekend in Super Bowl 50.

For more, follow along on Facebook or Twitter. 

1 Comment Posted on Piffcast

The Piffcast! Episode 1 – The Super Bowl One

The Piffcast is back…rebooted!

With “The ’85 Bears” 30 For 30 debuting this week, we talked to Mark Grote from 670 The Score about following the team as a fan and their legacy in football history.

We also get you prepared for the weekend with the commercials to look forward to, the halftime show, prop bets and more going into Super Bowl 50. Listen for how to win the first Piffcast giveaway too!

Listen and react on Facebook or Twitter! 

 

1 Comment Posted on Food, music

Super Bowl 50: Denver vs. Carolina – Everything But Football

By now, nearly storyline and angle for the Broncos and Panthers have been hashed out going into the Super Bowl. The Prop Bets are available to keep the non-football fan interested, which include wagers on things like how long Lady Gaga will sing the anthem, which song Coldplay will play first, and what color the Gatorade is that will be dumped on the winning coach. Even the commercials are getting leaked early (although I think that takes some of the fun out of it).

The Denver Post and The Charlotte Observer are also in on the game with their own friendly bets. If the Broncos win, the Post will receive “No. 1 IPA beer in the country” Hop, Drop and Roll (brewed in Charlotte) as well as some World Famous barbecue. If the Panthers win, the Observer will receive a broad selection of Colorado craft beer and bison steaks.

A tradition that we began here a year ago was to go beyond the teams playing the game, and compare the regions they’re from in EVERYTHING BUT FOOTBALL. Last year, New England had the edge over Seattle in our game here and eventually won the Big Game itself.

So for the fans (and newspapers) of each team, lets see how they stack up.

Music

From Denver

John Denver, Ginger Baker (drummer), Earth Wind & Fire, Flobots, The Fray, India.Arie, The Lumineers, Glenn Miller (Jazz), Neutral Milk Hotel, OneRepublic, Pretty Lights, Big Gigantic, Judy Collins, The String Cheese Incident, and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats.

From Carolina

James Taylor, Tori Amos, George Clinton, K-Ci & JoJo, Anthony Hamilton, John Coltrane, Ben Folds, Petey Pablo, Fred Durst, The Avett Brothers and Ryan Adams.

The Edge – Carolina

This may be the toughest call, considering how subjective music is for everyone. However I’m taking quality over quantity here. Fred Durst and the EDM of Denver cancel each other out for things I’m good without. There are more pop acts in Denver, if The Fray and OneRepublic are your thing. Both regions bring the Funk with George Clinton and Earth Wind and Fire. But I’ll take the Carolina singer songwriters (Taylor, Adams and Folds) over John Denver *skypoint*.

Bonus Points too for my favorite school slow dance song ever, “All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo.

TV

 

Set in Colorado

South Park, Community, Diagnosis: Murder, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Nikita, Stargate SG-1, The Real World: Denver, The Man in the High Castle, Dynasty and Mork & Mindy. 

Set in Carolina

East Bound and Down, Dawson’s Creek, The Famous Jett Jackson, One Tree Hill, The Andy Griffith Show.  

The Edge: Denver

There isn’t too much programming set in either region. Community and East Bound and Down duke it out pretty well for comedies. I do love Andy Griffith and that whistling will be stuck in my head for the rest of the month, but 19 seasons of South Park is too many to pass on. Sorry, One Tree Hill fans. 

Movies

 

Set in Colorado

The A-Team, About Schmidt, Aliens vs. Predators: Requieum, Beerfest, The Big Short, Blades of Glory, City Slickers, Cliffhanger, Interstellar, Misery, Phantoms, The Prestige, The Shining, Stargate, WarGames, and Dumb and Dumber

 

Set in Carolina

Cape Fear, Carrie, Cold Mountain, The Descent, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Kiss The Girls, Maximum Overdrive, Pitch Perfect, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Tin Cup, A Walk To Remember, and Bull Durham.

The Edge: Denver

Carolina makes a case with solid Kevin Costner sports movies. But Denver has two amazing Christopher Nolan films (Interstellar and The Prestige) the better Stephen King horror flick between The Shining and Carrie…and Dumb and Dumber. 

Food

From Denver

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From Carolina

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The Edge: Carolina

It was a tough call, but I drooled the most researching all that southern comfort awesomeness. 

Landmarks/Sights

In Denver

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In Carolina

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The Edge: Carolina

Both seem perfect if you love the outdoors. I think if you love skiing/snowboarding and weed, you’ll probably lean toward Denver. The idea of mountains, beaches, and some college sports staples have me wanting to visit Carolina first. Red Rocks is a hard venue to pass up though.

Craft Beer

In Denver (327 Craft Brewers)

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In Carolina (151 Craft Brewers)

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The Edge: Denver

This one is depends on your tastebuds, but I’ve always been partial to Colorado beer. Carolina seems to be on its way though.

Sports (other than football)

In Denver

  • Colorado Avalanche
  • Colorado Rockies
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Colorado Buffaloes 
  • Colorado State Rams

In Carolina

  • Carolina Hurricanes
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Duke Blue Devils
  • North Carolina Tar Heels
  • North Carolina State Wolfpack

The Edge: Carolina

The two Stanley Cups won by the Colorado Avalanche are admirable, but 12 Men’s Basketball National Championships won by Duke (5), North Carolina (5), and North Carolina State (2) are a bit more impressive…

…plus the fact that state produced the greatest player in NBA history. 

Michael Carolina

 

Final Score

 

Denver –   3

Carolina – 4

 

Who has the edge, in your opinion?

Let me know what you think on Facebook or Twitter! 

Big thank you to Dago Cordova, Mike Kvackay, Jennifer Witkowski and Donald Moenning for help with firsthand research. 

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NFL Bad Lip Reading 2016: Part I

“We’ll fight y’all on Tiger Mountain!”

The “Bad Lip Reading” guys are back in time for Super Bowl 50 and haven’t lost a step.

 

I wouldn’t be surprised if Jim Tomsula was actually saying those things…like most of the things said in the entire video.

Stay tuned to see when “Part II” is released, which will likely be as funny.

For more, follow along on Facebook or Twitter. 

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2016 Fantasy Football Position Rankings – First Draft

Is the season even over yet?

No. 

Do you even know where everyone is going to be next season?

Not a clue.

Can you wait until summer to start thinking about your next Fantasy Draft?

HELL NO!

I promised ongoing positional rankings this year for Fantasy Football, and this is where I start. As players are released, Free Agents get signed, and draft picks are made, I’ll update the rankings as to how I value each player that I see worthwhile at every position.

Quarterbacks – Click Here

Running Backs – Click Here

Wide Receivers – Click Here

Tight Ends – Coming Soon

Defenses – Coming Soon

Kickers – STOP IT.

For more, follow along on Facebook or Twitter. 

 

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Full List of Super Bowl 50 Prop Bets

DID YOU KNOW…

That the first official prop bet was whether or not William “The Refrigerator” Perry would would score a touchdown in Super Bowl XX?

Well…

William Perry TD

He did.

The “Prop Bets” have become an awesome tradition each year for both the heavy and light gamblers. It’s fun betting on how long the anthem will be sung and what color the Gatorade being poured will be. Then you account the circumstances surrounding star players, storylines, celebrities and halftime show performers, and you have yourself a fun Super Bowl party game.

So…

Y’all ready for this? 

The full list of prop bets from Bovada!

ENTERTAINMENT ODDS AND ENDS

Will Peyton Manning announce his retirement in the postgame interview?

Yes      +500  (5/1)

No        -1000 (1/10)

(Note: Must be on live broadcast.)

Will Peyton Manning be seen crying at any point during the entire broadcast?

Yes      +600  (6/1)

No        -1200 (1/12)

(Note: Live pictures only, must clearly see a tear.)

How many times will “dab” or “dabbing” be said by the announcers during the broadcast?

Over     2          (EVEN, 1/1)      

Under   2          (-140, 5/7)        

(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)

How many times will Cam Newton do the Open Shirt Superman motion during the game?

Over     2.5        (EVEN, 1/1)      

Under   2.5        (-140, 5/7)        

(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)

If Steph Curry is shown on TV during the broadcast what will he be wearing?

Personalized Carolina Steph Curry Jersey           1/1

No Jersey                         2/1

Cam Newton Jersey                         3/1

Any Other Carolina Jersey                         5/1

Will Mike Carey be wrong about a challenge?

Yes      +110 (11/10)

No        -150 (2/3)

(Note: He must be consulted on live broadcast and must clearly take a stance on his position. If not consulted wagers will be No Action.)

Will there be an earthquake during the game?

Yes      10/1

(Note: Announcer must indicate there was during live broadcast from kickoff until final whistle.)

Will the Panthers player who scores their first TD give the football to a boy or girl?

Boy      -200 (1/2)

Girl       +150 (3/2)

How many times will the Golden Gate Bridge be shown during the broadcast?

Over     0.5        -300 (1/3)

Under   0.5        +200 (2/1)

(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)

How many times will “John Fox” be said during the broadcast?

Over     1          (-140, 5/7)

Under   1          (EVEN, 1/1)

(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)

How many times will Archie Manning be shown on TV during the broadcast?

Over     1.5        EVEN (1/1)

Under   1.5        -140    (5/7)

(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)

How many times will John Elway be shown on TV during broadcast?

Over     2.5        EVEN (1/1)

Under   2.5        -140    (5/7)

(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)

Will the announcers mention that Kubiak was Elway’s backup during the broadcast?

Yes      +120 (6/5)

No        -160 (5/8)

(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)

What color will the liquid be that is poured on the winning coach?

Orange             5/4

Blue                 3/1

Clear                4/1

Yellow              4/1

Red                   6/1

Green               10/1

Purple              10/1

Who will the Super Bowl MVP mention first?

God                            2/1

Team                         2/1

City/Fans                   6/1

Coach                         15/2

Family                        15/1

Does not Mention Anyone above           9/4

Which song will Coldplay play first during the halftime show?

Adventure of a Lifetime           2/1

Fix You                                      7/2

A Sky Full of Stars                    9/2

Viva la Vida                               5/1

Clocks                                       15/2

Speed of Sound                        9/1

Head Full of Dreams                10/1

Paradise                                    10/1

What color will Beyonce’s footwear be when she comes on stage for the halftime show?

Black                              3/2

Gold/Brown                   5/2

White                             11/4

Silver/Grey                    19/4

Any Other Color             7/1

(Note: Predominant color will be graded winner.)

Will “Left Shark” make an appearance on stage during the Super Bowl halftime show?

Yes                  15/1

How many million viewers will Super Bowl 50 have?

Over/Under                   117 million

What will the Nielsen Rating be for Super Bowl 50?

Over/Under                   48.5

Which region will have a higher Nielsen Rating?

Denver              -140    (5/7)

Charlotte           EVEN  (1/1)

How many wings will Buffalo Wild Wings sell on Super Bowl Day?

Over/Under                   12 million

TEAM/GAME PROPS

Coin Toss

Heads               -105 (20/21)

Tails                 -105 (20/21)

Will the referee redo the coin toss?

Yes                  20/1

Will the team that chooses heads or tails in the coin toss be correct?

Yes                  -105 (20/21)

No                    -105 (20/21)

Team to win the coin toss

Carolina Panthers          -105 (20/21)

Denver Broncos              -105 (20/21)

Will the team that wins the coin toss win the game?

Yes                  -105 (20/21)

No                   -105 (20/21)

Team to score first in the game

Carolina Panthers          -150 (2/3)

Denver Broncos              +120 (6/5)

Will the team that scores first win the game?

Yes                  -160 (5/8)

No                    +130 (13/10)

Total Team Points – Carolina Panthers

Over/Under                   24½     

Total Team Points – Carolina Panthers – First Half

Over/Under                   11½       

Total Team Points – Denver Broncos

Over/Under                   20

Total Team Points – Denver Broncos – First Half

Over/Under                   9½ 

Will there be a score in the first 7m30s of the 1st quarter?

Yes                   -160 (5/8)

No                    +130 (13/10)

Will there be a score in the first 1m30s of the 1st quarter?

Yes                  +1000 (10/1)

No                    -2500 (1/25)

Which will be the highest scoring quarter?

1st Quarter                     5/1

2nd Quarter                   8/5

3rd Quarter                    9/2

4th Quarter                    5/2

Will either team score 3 unanswered times in the game?

Yes                  -220 (5/11)

No                    +175 (7/4)

Will there be a score in the final 2 minutes of the 1st half?

Yes                  -280 (5/14)       

No                    +220 (11/5)

Longest touchdown yardage in the game

Over/Under                   44½

Will there be a penalty for excessive celebration?

Yes      +250      (5/2)

No        -400     (1/4)

Will either backup QB take a snap in the game?

Yes       +200 (2/1)

No        -300 (1/3)

Total successful field goals

Over/Under                   3½

Longest successful field goal in the game

Over/Under                   44.5 Yards

Will there be a missed extra point?

Yes      +325 (13/4)

No        -450 (2/9)

Total QB sacks (Both teams combined)

Over/Under                   5½

Will a special teams or defensive TD be scored?

Yes      +150 (3/2)

No        -180 (5/9)

Will the Panthers rush for a 100 Yards or more for a 32nd straight game?

Yes      -500 (1/5)

No        +300 (3/1)

Total number of penalties made in the game by both teams

Over/Under                   12½

Total number of penalties assessed on the Carolina Panthers

Over/Under                   6

Total number of penalties assessed on the Denver Broncos

Over/Under                   6½

Margin of Victory

Panthers by 1-6 points                          3/1

Panthers by 7-12 points                         4/1

Panthers by 13-18 points                        11/2

Panthers by 19-24 points                       9/1

Panthers by 25-30 points                       16/1

Panthers by 31-36 points                       25/1

Panthers by 37-42 points                       40/1

Panthers by 43+ points                           50/1

Broncos by 1-6 points                             4/1

Broncos by 7-12 points                           8/1

Broncos by 13-18 points                         12/1

Broncos by 19-24 points                        25/1

Broncos by 25-30 points                        50/1

Broncos by 31-36 points                        75/1

Broncos by 37-42 points                        100/1

Broncos by 43+ points                            100/1

MVP AND FIRST TO SCORE A TOUCHDOWN ODDS

Super Bowl 50 – Odds to Win MVP

Cam Newton                              5/7

Peyton Manning                        11/4

Luke Kuechly                             14/1

C.J. Anderson                             20/1

Ted Ginn Jr.                               20/1

Von Miller 20/1

Greg Olsen                                 22/1

Emmanuel Sanders                   22/1

Jonathan Stewart                      22/1

Demaryius Thomas                   22/1

Josh Norman                             28/1

Aqib Talib                                  33/1

DeMarcus Ware                         33/1

Corey Brown                              66/1

Owen Daniels                             66/1

Graham Gano                             66/1

Ronnie Hillman                          66/1

Brandon McManus                     66/1

Darian Stewart                            66/1

Danny Trevathan                        66/1

Chris Harris Jr.                            75/1

Devin Funchess                           100/1

Brandon Marshall                       100/1

Derek Wolfe                                 100/1

Kurt Coleman                               150/1

Mike Tolbert                                 150/1

Field                                              33/1

First Touchdown Scorer

Cam Newton (CAR)                       7/1

Greg Olsen (CAR)                          15/2

Jonathan Stewart (CAR)               8/1

C.J. Anderson (DEN)                     9/1

Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)           9/1

Demaryius Thomas (DEN)           9/1

Ted Ginn Jr. (CAR)                        10/1

Corey Brown (CAR)                       14/1

Owen Daniels (DEN)                     14/1

Ronnie Hillman (DEN)                 14/1

Mike Tolbert (CAR)                      16/1

Jerricho Cotchery (CAR)              20/1

Devin Funchess (CAR)                 20/1

Andre Caldwell (DEN)                  25/1

Jordan Norwood (DEN)                25/1

Ed Dickson (CAR)                         33/1

Peyton Manning (DEN)               50/1

No touchdown scorer                  66/1

Field                                             11/2

PLAYER PROPS

Will Peyton Manning throw a Pick 6 in the game?

Yes      +300 (3/1)

No        -500 (1/5)

Will Cam Newton break the Super Bowl record of most rushing yards by a QB?

Yes      +275 (11/4)

No        -450 (2/9)

(Note: The record is 64 by Steve McNair in Super Bowl XXXIV.)

Total Passing Yards – Peyton Manning (DEN)

Over/Under                   235½

Total Passing Yards – Cam Newton (CAR)

Over/Under                   240½

Total Touchdown Passes – Cam Newton (CAR)

Over     1½         (-180, 5/9)

Under   1½        (+150, 3/2)

Total Touchdown Passes – Peyton Manning (DEN)

Over     1½         (-135, 20/27)

Under   1½        (+105, 21/20)

Cam Netwon and Peyton Manning Specials

Cam Newton records 300 or more Passing Yards                        7/2

Cam Newton records 350 or more Passing Yards                        9/1

Cam Newton records 50 or more Rushing Yards                         3/2

Cam Newton records 100 or more Rushing Yards                        12/1

Cam Newton records 25 or more Completions                             5/1

Cam Newton scores a Rushing TD and Carolina win the game   2/1

Peyton Manning records 300 or more Passing Yards                  7/4

Peyton Manning records 350 or more Passing Yards                  5/1

Peyton Manning records 30 or more Completions                      15/2

Total Rushing Yards – Cam Newton (CAR)

Over/Under                   39½

Total Rushing Yards – Ted Ginn Jr. (CAR)

Over/Under                   5½

Will Luke Kuechly record a pick 6 in the game?

Yes      +600  (6/1)

No        -1200 (1/12)

(Note: Kuechly had a pick 6 in both playoff games this year.)

Total Sacks – Von Miller (DEN)

Over     ½          (-225, 4/9)

Under   ½         (+180, 9/5)

CROSS-SPORTS PROPS

Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?

Trump % Points in the New Hampshire Primary               -200 (1/2)

Total Points scored by the winning Super Bowl team       +150 (3/2)

Cross Sport Props – Exact Outcome

Carolina wins Super Bowl – Trump Wins 2016 Presidential Election                       13/4

Carolina wins Super Bowl – Cinton Wins 2016 Presidential Election                       7/4

Carolina wins Super Bowl – Sanders Wins 2016 Presidential Election                     5/1

Denver wins Super Bowl – Trump Wins 2016 Presidential Election                        7/1

Denver wins Super Bowl – Clinton Wins 2016 Presidential Election                       9/2

Denver wins Super Bowl – Sanders Wins 2016 Presidential Election                      10/1

Cross Sport Props – What are the odds the Carolina Panthers win the 2016 Super Bowl and the Golden State Warriors win the 2015-2016 NBA Title?

Yes                  2/1

Will Denver win Super Bowl, Peyton Manning Retires, San Antonio wins NBA Championship, Tim Duncan Retires?

Yes                  20/1

Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?

DeMarcus Cousins Points and Rebounds Feb. 7

Cam Newton Rushing Yards

Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?

Total Goals in the Montreal vs Carolina NHL game on Feb. 7

Total Receptions by Greg Olsen

Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?

Tiger Woods 1st Round score at 2016 Masters

Emmanuel Sanders Receiving Yards

Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?

Arsenal Total Goals on Feb. 7

Peyton Manning TD Passes

Let me know who and what you’re betting on with Facebook or Twitter! 

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All The Super Bowl 50 Storylines, So Far…

Conference Championship Sunday featured the #1 seeds from both the AFC and NFC showing exactly how they got to where they are now. The Broncos defense beat the crap of Tom Brady, hitting him more than any other quarterback was all season, and their quarterback did enough to pull off the win. While the Panthers were also stellar on defense, their offense continued to shred another opposing top defense. Cam Newton became the 3rd quarterback to rush for 2 touchdowns and throw 2 as well in the playoffs (after Jay Cutler and Colin Kaepernick).

For the next two weeks, we’re going to wait way too long for what can be very good game…or an absolute blowout (I believe it will be the former). What you can expect is a plethora of storylines because both these teams aren’t lacking at all for them. You may get a new one every 12 hours until kickoff.

Here are ALL the storylines I could think of so far.

 

1. Cam’s Arrival

Screen Shot 2016-01-25 at 12.03.02 PM

Cam Newton has fun. After yesterday’s 49-15 decimation of the Arizona Cardinals, Newton had compiled 50 total touchdowns for 2015-16 (regular season and post season combined). Newton has a patented pointing mechanic on first downs, dances after touchdowns, and hands the ball to a kid in the stands when he’s done. You may not like it, but you’re going to have to get used to it. The league has become his video game and everyone else looks like they’re on “Easy Mode” for him.

Newton came into the league as a Heisman Trophy winner with a bad rap. He was arrested at Florida for stealing a laptop. His time at Auburn was scrutinized due to an investigation into his recruitment, which the NCAA came away with nothing. He was still drafted #1 overall and now has a chance to win a Super Bowl after 5 seasons, very likely with an MVP trophy on his mantle as well. What’s scary is that he’s done it without his #1 receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, all season.

Football fans without a stick up their asses are loving it. Others will choose to be miserable, and you’ll hear plenty from them for the next 2 weeks.

Some people just can’t have nice things, and that’s fine. Newton fans, on the other hand, can keep enjoying the best player in the league right now. In his last 10 games, Newton has scored 31 touchdowns (24 passing, 7 rushing). Who else from Newton’s “generation” comes even close to his level of play? Maybe Russell Wilson, but that’s it.

2. Peyton’s Last Stand

Screen Shot 2016-01-25 at 12.05.03 PM

Of the 4 quarterbacks facing off on Championship Sunday, Peyton Manning had the most on the line in terms of legacy. A win would help change his narrative that he’s just the best “regular season” quarterback. Now he’s won more games against 4-time champion Tom Brady than lost (3-2), and could join an elite group of only 11 quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl rings.

While the Broncos didn’t necessarily win because of Manning (we’ll get to that in a minute), they weren’t going to lose because of him either. When the running game couldn’t get going, Manning made key 3rd down conversions with both his arm and even his legs.

Manning run

When Peyton Manning is successfully running boot plays on your defense, you might not deserve to go to the Super Bowl. In his 4th trip, Manning can do something that the president of the Denver Broncos, John Elway, accomplished before retiring…go out on top.

3. Defense Wins Championships

Screen Shot 2016-01-25 at 12.07.39 PM

Super Bowl 50 is going to feature the league’s 2 best defenses who clearly proved that on Championship Sunday. The Broncos halted the #1 passing team in the NFL (New England) and the Panthers did the same with the #2 passing team (Arizona).

As mentioned earlier, the Broncos defense just manhandled Tom Brady and Von Miller led the way with 2.5 sacks and an interception. Miller’s presence was the certainly felt but so Derek Wolfe and DeMarcus Ware’s, only allowing Brady to finish 7/23 for 73 yards and a passer rating of 37.0 when pressured. The most impressive part of the Broncos defense dominating a fully healthy Patriots offense was that they were able to do so blitzing Brady a season low 17.2% of the time.

Throwing to Rob Growkowski against the Broncos, Brady was 8/15 for 144 and 1 touchdown. Throwing to everyone else, he was 19/41, 166 yards and 0 TDs. Heads up, Greg Olsen.

The Panthers ranked 2nd in defensive efficiency in 2015 (according to ESPN), just behind Denver. While the Broncos pressure the quarterback like crazy, the Panthers defense is racking up points off turnovers. On top Newton’s insane scoring rate, the Panthers have added 9.5 points per game to their net margin of victory as a result of takeaways, 1.7 points more than anyone else. They forced 7 turnovers, 6 from Carson Palmer, on Sunday.

 

4. Coaches Have A Lot In Common

Screen Shot 2016-01-25 at 12.11.19 PM

Both Ron Rivera and Gary Kubiak played on teams that went to the Super Bowl. Rivera won as a linebacker with the 1985 Chicago Bears. Kubiak went to 3, all as backup quarterback to John Elway, and lost them too.

Both Rivera and Kubiak went to the Super Bowl as coordinators. Rivera was the Bears’ defensive coordinator in 2006-07, losing to Peyton Manning’s Colts. Kubiak won three after his playing career, once as an assistant for the 49ers (1994) and twice more as Broncos offensive coordinator (1997 & 1998).

Now both Rivera and Kubiak will be standing on opposite sidelines of the sport’s biggest stage. They were also both successors for current Bears head coach John Fox.

5. Poor John Fox

Screen Shot 2016-01-25 at 12.14.11 PM

Actually, good new Bears fans!

John Fox went to the Super Bowl in each of his second seasons with the Panthers and Broncos. He didn’t win, but going is a nice improvement.

 

6. Other Bears Connections

Screen Shot 2016-01-25 at 12.15.16 PM

A few more former Bears you can root for in the Super Bowl, if you feel so inclined:

1. Greg, Son of Olsen.

Greg son of Olsen

2. Jared Allen (meh)

3. Charles “Peanut” Tillman (although on IR, but still a great dude)

Panthers Tillman

 

7. Unsung Heroes

Broncos Bench

The Broncos “Other” Defensive Linemen (above)

While Miller, Ware and Wolfe get all the sack glory, defensive ends Malik Jackson and Antonio Smith and nose tackle Sylvester Williams are teeing them up and destroying opposing running backs.

Ted Ginn Jr.

I love that Ted Ginn Jr. went from being the guy who drops everything to a 10 touchdown WR. A lot of that may be thanks to his quarterback, but somebody has to take the top off defenses and burn opposing safeties like Ginn has.

Emmanuel Sanders

Something I may have left out of Peyton Manning’s storyline was how Emmanuel Sanders made some of the BIGGEST plays on 3rd down for his quarterback. While Damaryius Thomas was off and on during the season, Sanders had 4 games of 8+ receptions. With Manning throwing more underneath and Josh Norman covering Thomas, Sanders will be a huge key against the Broncos nickel coverage.

 

The Panthers Team Picture Game

Exhibit A

Stay Tuned For More Super Bowl 50 Coverage on MichaelPiff.com. There will be more on the Halftime Show, Commercials, Media Day, and the annual “Everything But Football” piece as well. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter.