2017 Super Bowl Picks: Our 20 favorite prop bets for Patriots vs. Falcons

It used to be a nice way to spice up your Super Bowl bet.

Now props are a huge business. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook will draw more than half its Super Bowl action from props, not the game itself.

Perusing the book's 400-plus props can be dizzying. Especially the cross-sport props like this one: Will Matt Ryan's completions exceed LeBron James' scoring output versus the Knicks? (Ryan averages 24.9 completions, James 25.7 points).

That bet actually is a two-day sweat because the Cavaliers play Saturday.

CBS SPORTS: 51 BEST, WORST AND WEIRDEST PROPS

To help you make your prop picks, SportsLine has been rolling out a Prop of the Day and running a series on the wackiest props. To top it off, we asked four analysts to submit their top five props.

Here they are, starting with former Stations Casinos sportsbook director Micah Roberts:

MICAH ROBERTS' TOP 5 PROP PICKS

1. Receptions by Julian Edelman

Over 7.5 (-180)

Under 7.5 (+160)

Edelman is on a run of three straight games with eight receptions and has gone Over 7.5 in six of nine games since Rob Gronkowski got hurt.

This is Tom Brady's crutch and he's been targeted 181 times this season. Edelman will have plenty of opportunities to catch at least eight passes here. Of all the players listed on props, Edelman looks to be the most used component (non-QB) whether winning or losing the game. The low Over-Unders suggest he could be in for a long day, but we'd bet against that.

Pick: Over

2. Longest reception by Julian Edelman

Over 23.5 yards (-110)

Under 23.5 yards (-110)

In playoff games against much better defenses than Atlanta, Edelman had a long reception of 48 yards (vs. Houston) and 41 yards (vs. Pittsburgh).

In five of his last six regular-season games, he had receptions Over 23.5 yards. He'll have multiple opportunities to top 23.5 yards whether the Patriots are winning or losing.

Pick: Over

3. Receiving yards by Julian Edelman

Over 84.5 (-110)

Under 84.5 (-110)

As the Patriots put out their best game plan the last few weeks, it was Edelman who was the most productive -- outside of Brady -- and there is no reason to believe it'll slow in the Super Bowl against a defense that allowed 371 ypg (ranked 25th).

He's gone Over 118 yards in his past three games and he's gone Over 84.5 yards in his last four. It's another spot, win or lose, where Edelman will be heavily involved and relied upon.

If Edelman goes Over one of these props, he'll likely go Over them all. So, remember to wager accordingly.

Pick: Over

4. Will Mohamed Sanu score a TD?

Yes (+150)

No (-170)

Sanu only scored three times in his first 14 regular-season games, but in his last three, including the playoffs, he scored a TD in each.

We see teams try a few different things to shake up tendencies in the Super Bowl and I wouldn't be surprised to see Sanu get some QB play at the goal line in a wildcat situation, where he's had success over his career.

Wildcat is a reach, but still, three straight games with a TD is a nice trend and the basis behind supporting he'll score while getting good 3/2 odds.

Pick: Yes

5. Which will be more?

LeBron James points-plus-rebounds-plus-assists at Knicks (Feb. 4) (-110)

Taylor Gabriel receiving yards - 0.5 (-110)

LeBron James has averaged 42.1 when combining points, rebounds and assists this season.

But while he always gets jazzed playing at MSG, he totaled only 38 in a December visit there while playing 31 minutes of a 128-94 win. That's the problem here because even though the Cavs are currently struggling, the Knicks are good candidates to be knocked out early in the game to the point where LeBron can rest in the fourth quarter.

Since week 8, Gabriel has been an integral part of Matt Ryan's pass attack. His total for the game is listed at 46.5, but he's averaged 56.7 yards in his past 10. In one big play, he can hit a mark LeBron can't possibly reach.

If Gabriel just plays his average self, LeBron will have to play one of his best games to beat him.

Pick: Gabriel

JOSH NAGEL'S TOP 5 PROP PICKS

1. Total yardage of all touchdowns in the game

Over: 100.5 yards (-110)

Under: 100.5 yards (-110)

Seeing as these teams combined for 80 points in their previous games, big-play offense shouldn't be too hard to come by. One long touchdown will anchor the way for this prop.

There were 96 yards in total touchdown yardage in the AFC title game and 107 in the NFC championship game, setting an average that would clip this posted number. The combined scoring volume and explosive-play ability of these teams make this an easy decision.

Pick: Over

2. Will Dion Lewis score a touchdown?

Yes: +170

No: -190

In recent weeks, the versatile back has shown he is one of the more underrated players in the league, and he should get plenty of opportunities to score Sunday.

Although Lewis didn't score against Pittsburgh in the AFC title game, he still had six carries, two receptions and one kickoff return. He scored in all three capacities against Houston in the divisional round.

This is a solid value on a player who has myriad ways to find the end zone.

Pick: Yes

3. Total number of players to have a passing attempt

Over 2.5: +175

Under 2.5: -200

I've always liked the value in the Over on this prop, just because there are so many ways in which a third player could end up throwing a pass. A trick play, an injury by one of the starters or a backup running a pass play during a blowout are all distinct possibilities.

Although Tom Brady and Matt Ryan rarely leave the game even when their teams are up big, there are still enough variables here to support the plus-money payout on this fun prop.

Pick: Over

4. Total rushing yards by Tevin Coleman

Over 35.5 yards

Under 35.5 yards

Coleman has gotten 11 carries in each of Atlanta’s first two playoff games, and clipped the posted number against the Seahawks.

But he will likely get fewer opportunities against the Patriots, who have allowed just 159 total rushing yards in their two playoff games and average 88.6 (No. 3 in the NFL) for the season. Atlanta won’t abandon the run, but is likely to have fewer attempts than usual and will feature the more explosive Devonta Freeman more often when it does.

Pick: Under

5. Total number of kickoff returns by both teams

Over 4: -160

Under 4: +140

There are many reasons why the Over is heavily juiced here, and they are all legitimate and logical. First, there should be more kickoffs than in an average game, providing a higher clip of opportunities.

Also, both teams have solid returners, Dion Lewis of New England and Eric Weems of Atlanta, who aren't afraid to take deep kicks and make plays for their teams. Moreover, the Super Bowl stage tends to persuade players to take more risks in such situations, which makes this prop worth the price.

Pick: Over

MIKE TIERNEY'S TOP 5 PROP PICKS

1. Will Falcons score a first-quarter touchdown?

Yes (-135)

No (+115)

Admittedly, this Atlanta team bursts out of the starting blocks. It rarely trails in games that land in the W column.

But the Falcons have nothing on New England for opening-period dominance. On the day when Tom Brady returned from suspension, the Patriots yielded a TD in the initial 15 minutes and have not been dinged for one since. Foes booted seven field goals in those 14 games and were shut out seven times.

As a bonus, I get "plus" odds. And overall, the Falcons offense will come out a little differently than you're used to.

Pick: No (+115)

2. Total receiving yards by Julio Jones

Over 95.5 (-110)

Under 95.5 (-110)

Among all of the traits that elevate Bill Belichick above all other coaches, the most striking is how his teams often rein in the opponents' primary offensive threat.

Jones, the league's supreme receiver, averaged a fraction over 100 yards per game. However, the figure is inflated by an otherworldly 300-yard day against Carolina, so J.J. must excel to exceed the total of 95.5.

In the recent AFC Championship, Steelers WR Antonio Brown had a subpar 77 yards on seven receptions. At the Super Bowl two years ago, the Pats limited Seattle WR Doug Baldwin to a single catch for three yards.

Pick: Under

3. First rushing attempt by Matt Ryan

Over 2.5 yards (-150)

Under 2.5 yards (+130)

A graceful runner, Ryan is not. But, with his receivers drawing attention on pass routes, the Falcons QB occasionally takes advantage of a wide expanse of green field and sets sail.

He averaged 3.3 yards per carry in the regular season and scrambled to a score in the NFC Championship, netting 23 ground yards on the day.

Tom Brady is no better afoot. The difference is, New England is fond of QB sneaks that usually produce a single yard. For Atlanta, the sneak is buried in the back of the playbook.

Ryan never will be mistaken for Cam Newton when he tucks the ball under his arm. Because he takes off so rarely, the element of surprise points to a decent gain when he does.

Pick: Over 2.5 yards (-150)

4. Longest field goal by either team

Over 45.5 (-130)

Under 45.5 (+110)

The Falcons have bottomless faith in Matt Bryant, for good reason. He blasted eight attempts from 50 yards and beyond, hitting six -- including one from 59, second lengthiest of the season. In the 40s, Bryant was perfect on nine attempts.

Stephen Gostkowski is no slouch. He missed just once on 10 boots in the 40s and was 2-for-4 from 50 and beyond, with a long of 53.

Neither team is inclined to gamble on fourth-down conversions. Fourteen attempts placed the Falcons tied for 18th, and the Patriots shared 23rd with 12.

Pick: Over 45.5 (-130)

5. Which will be more?

Kyrie Irving points versus Knicks on Saturday (-110)

Falcons' points -3.5 (-110)

Atlanta is spotting Cleveland's sublime guard 3.5 points.

With the O/U on the Falcons' points total hovering around 27, Irving would "cover" by reaching the mid-20s.

In two games this season against New York, Irving has erupted for 29 and 28 points. The Cavs are blessed with two off-days prior to Saturday and don't play again until Monday, so Irving is likely to play full minutes except in a blowout.

It is plausible that the Knicks' roster will be uprooted by a trade this week of Carmelo Anthony. While Melo's absence might ultimately improve the defense, Irving and the Cavs would benefit by facing an opponent in transition.

Pick: Irving +3.5 (-110)

LARRY HARTSTEIN'S TOP 5 PROP PICKS

1. Total receiving yards by Devonta Freeman

Over 33.5 (-110)

Under 33.5 (-110)

Freeman has gone Over this figure in four straight games, five of the past seven. And you can throw out the two he went Under: Those were blowouts of the 49ers and Rams in which Freeman's receiving prowess wasn't needed.

The Patriots gave up 808 receiving yards to running backs in the regular season -- third most in the league.

If Atlanta trails as expected, Matt Ryan will lean on Freeman as a receiver. Freeman ranked third on the Falcons with 54 catches on 65 targets.

Pick: Over

2. Largest lead of the game by either team

Over 16.5 (-120)

Under 16.5 (Even)

I can't see either team blowing out the other.

If you go Over on this prop, you're most likely saying you expect New England to dominate and that the Patriots will and build a 17-point lead at some point. The Falcons did not lose a single game by double digits.

I'm confident that even if New England goes up two touchowns, Atlanta will respond and keep it competitive.

Pick: Under

3. First reception by Malcolm Mitchell 

Over 9.5 yards (-110)

Under 9.5 yards (-110)

Note: If no reception, Under wins

The speedy 6-1, 200-pounder out of Georgia averaged 12.5 yards per catch and emerged as an intermediate threat who could get deep.

After missing a month with a knee injury, Mitchell returned for the AFC Championship Game and was rusty, catching one of four targets for 5 yards.

Look for him to be back at full speed Sunday, and make an impact.

Pick: Over

4. Total field goals made by Stephen Gostkowski

Over 1.5 (-130)

Under 1.5 (+110)

Whether people accept it or not, the Falcons' defense has made big strides. I expect New England to move the ball well but not score touchdowns with ease.

Gostkowski is 5 for 5 in the playoffs, making him 32 of 37 this season. He'll tack on at least two more in Super Bowl LI.

Pick: Over

5. Total fumbles by both teams

Over 1.5 (+155)

Under 1.5 (-175)

The teams combined for 13 lost fumbles -- less than one per game -- in the regular season. Then they combined for one in four playoff games; that occurred when New England's Dion Lewis coughed it up on a kickoff return against Houston.

This is heavy juice to lay. But I think the price is worth it with two extremely disciplined, well-coached teams.

Pick: Under

OTHER SUPER BOWL PROP BETS

1. Puppy Bowl

The NFL has competition before the game even begins... kind of. Team Ruff is a 4.5-point favorite against Team Fluff in the Puppy Bowl, which airs on Animal Planet three hours before the Super Bowl begins. So gather the kids and place your bets!

2. Coin Toss

Heads is on a three-game heater in the Super Bowl, having landed that way the last three times. The Super Bowl coin toss is an even-money bet on most sites since a coin has an equal chance of landing heads or tails. That's what makes it such a fun bet to make with your friends.

3. Halftime Show

The Super Bowl halftime show is a huge spectacle. From Madonna to Paul McCartney, the biggest names in music have graced the stage. This year, it's Lady Gaga, who sung the National Anthem in 2016. You can bet on anything from her hair color to whether she'll drop the president's name.

4. Matt Ryan Props-a-Plenty

A prop bet that's nearly a lock to happen involves whether Falcons QB Matt Ryan will throw a first quarter touchdown pass. He's actually an underdog at +130 (bet $100 to win $130) to do so. The Falcons have scored an opening drive touchdown in eight straight games, which means there's plenty of value for Ryan to light up the scoreboard.

5. Slow Start for Patriots and Falcons in Super Bowl LI?

Our very own Josh Nagel believes the Patriots and Falcons could both try to establish the run early in the 2017 Super Bowl, perhaps dragging down scoring possibilities earlier. As such, he's taking "No" on whether either team will score in the first 6:30, which pays +120.

6. Americans to Bet Record-Setting Amount

Americans will bet a fortune on Super Bowl 51: almost $5 billion will be bet on the Super Bowl, a record. Last year, Americans spent a staggering $154 billion -- larger than the GDPs of several nations -- betting on sports.