2017 Super Bowl MVP to Thank God First Prop Bet: Most Believe He Doesn’t Watch

While many books are offering the popular Super Bowl MVP First to Thank prop bet, God tends to be the favorite, this despite nearly three quarters of NFL fans believing God does not watch the Super Bowl.

The Public Religion Research Institute released its survey showing that only one quarter of those believe God will be watching this Sunday.  That is slightly less than the 28 percent who believe God put Donald Trump in the White House.

“For people who believe this, it is deeply felt that God is alive in the world and plays a role in all aspects of human affairs, even sports” and elections, said Dan Cox, director of research at PRRI. “If you are an enthusiastic fan, why would God be absent from the pitch?”

Two of the likely favorites to be named 2017 Super Bowl MVP – the Patriots Tom Brady and the Falcons Matt Ryan – are practicing Catholics, though not necessarily devout and perhaps less likely to thank God first with a payout of $22.50 for every $10 bet.

Thanking the teammates first would pay out $16 for every $10 bet.

Atlanta’s Devonta Freeman would pay $250 for every $10 bet should he be named Super Bowl 51 MVP.  He’s also more inclined to be thankful to God as a more devoutly religious player.

“If people believe in a personal relationship with God it is not such a big step for them to say God rewards people who are faithful,” Cox said. “For athletes, the rewards would be good health and success.”

Odds to Win Super Bowl LI MVP

Note: Odds are as of January 30, 2017

Tom Brady: +120

Matt Ryan: +200

Julio Jones: +900

Logan Ryan: +1000

Devonta Freeman: +2500

Julian Edelman: +2500

LeGarrette Blount: +2500

Chris Hogan: +2500

Dion Lewis: +3300

Mohamed Sanu: +4000

Tevin Coleman: +5000

Vic Beasley: +5000

Martellus Bennett: +5000

Matt Bryant: +6600

Taylor Gabriel: +6600

Stephen Gostkowski: +6600

Malcolm Butler: +6600

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com