If you've been betting on football this year based on which team I think has the hotter fans, then you are probably up a good bit of cash.
My data-based strategy led to a 74-60 record in the regular season. Things got a bit tricky in the playoffs and I was forced to slightly modify my approach, but it still produced more wins than losses going into the Super Bowl.
I have had success betting on both the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers this season—especially the Panthers. I took the Panthers ten times this year and went 7-3 in those games.
Twice when I went against the Panthers, on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys and last week against the Cardinals, the Panthers won by a combined 53 points.
In my brief defense, the Cowboys have some pretty hot fans.
I have also done better betting on the Broncos than betting against them. I am 3-2 when betting on the Broncos, but just 2-2 when betting against them.
Things really could go either way, so for my final Super Bowl pick I have decided to pit the Carolina girls head to head with the Denver girls.
Round 1:
Two hot Panthers fans:
One hot Broncos fan, twice:
Edge: Panthers
Round 2:
Four Broncos cheerleaders at the beach:
Six Panthers cheerleaders jumping off a boat:
Edge: Broncos
Round 3, #fortheladies:
Panthers' QB Cam Newton:
Broncos' QB Peyton Manning:
Edge: Panthers
Round 4:
Panthers fans in face paint:
Broncos fan:
Edge: Panthers
Round 5:
Panthers fan Brooklyn Decker, with secret weapon Kate Upton:
Broncos fan in bed:
This round is too close to call, so here is more Brooklyn Decker.
And her close friend Kate Upton.
And just a little bit more of Kate Upton.
Edge: Panthers
As is tradition, Kate Upton tilts the scales.
The Panthers won four out of five, which should be more than enough to cover a 5.5 point spread.