Dean Michaels, NFL Writer

The spiritual side of football has never been more apparent than during this season with the very public display of religious devotion and God-giving gratitude displayed by the iconic Tim Tebow.

The Denver Bronco's quarterback won't be playing at Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 in Indianapolis. No, this year's big game pits the New England Patriots against the New York Giants in what is expected to be the most watched game in television history.

One can safely bet that many prayers will be said, a few "hail Mary" passes will be tossed, and promises will be made that almost certainly will never kept in a bid to have the favorite team take home the coveted trophy and title. A few other choice words are also bound to be uttered.

But, when the winner emerges, and the thanks begin, odds are that God and family will be remembered first.

According to the online betting site Sportsbook.com, the odds that the player selected as MVP will thank God are 5-4; his teammates, 2-1; he doesn't thank anyone, 5-2; his coaches 4-1; and the odds he will thank his family are the long shot at 5-1.

The odds that the winning coach will thank his team are 2-3; the odds he thanks God are 6-5; that he thanks his coaching staff and owner are 4-1; the odds he doesn't thank anyone are 8-1, the same as the odds that he thanks his family.

 

Super Bowl Games & Super Bowl MVP History

Oddsmakers Favor God, Family for Super Bowl Thanks - Super Bowl XLVI: Giants vs Patriots