After last night's horrible Super Bowl, I received the below email from iTunes:
"Because you've downloaded sports videos, audiobooks, or podcasts from iTunes in the past, we thought you'd like to know that you can now download highlights, analysis, and more from Super Bowl XLII."
If they know me as well as they claim, they'd know that:
1) I purchased Patriots videos
2) Subscribe to multiple Boston podcasts
Put those together and there is NO way that I want to buy highlights of SuperBowl 42.
Any time the Wall Street Journal has an article about sports, I read every word. Partly because their articles are always well written and fascinating. And partly because it makes me feel better about my addiction to sports news.
Darren Everson of the WSJ has a great article on the Patriots vs. Giants Super Bowl and it's affect on Las Vegas (another guilty pleasure).
Despite being 11 point favorites this Sunday, the Patriots are underdogs as 75% of the money is being put on the Giants... a potentially huge problem for Las Vegas (particularly considering the amount of money that is gambled on Super Bowl Sunday).
"Super Bowl XLII may reach $100 million in legal betting in Las Vegas for the first time, experts say, a figure that is a fraction of the estimated $10 billion that will be wagered world-wide...
As of yesterday, 75% of the wagered money at the Hilton was on the Giants. "There's definitely concern," Mr. Kornegay said. "If you find any Patriots fans, make sure to send them our way.
As money has flowed in on the Giants, the sports books have lowered the spread to 12 or 12½ to encourage betting on New England and to even up the action. They are hoping that the line eventually will rise back to 13 or beyond, because history has shown that casual bettors -- who typically bet in the final few days before the game -- overwhelmingly favor the favorite."
If you've watched ESPN at all this week - I've been amazed that all of the analysts not-named-Skip-Bayless are picking the Giants to win straight up.
I fail to understand how people are siding with the Giants and stand by my very confident pick of a Patriots win and a cover (14+ points).
Fascinating look at the big three sports leagues and their online traffic. A couple quick thoughts:
1. MLB.com is widely considered the leader in web strategies. Their MLB.tv site is brilliant, well worth the $99 subscription and makes significant money for the league.
2. The NFL's web traffic is clearly based on their dominant brand. Look how steady and cyclical the traffic is: floats between 1mm and 2.5mm depending on the day of the week.
3. If the NFL was a major player in fantasy football, they'd be far larger and far steadier.
4. NBA.com is surprisingly strong, doesn't suffer from day-to-day swings, and has a much-improved, highly interactive website.
5. None of these sites know anything about SEO or Internet Marketing. That lack of understanding allows sites like SportsWrap and MLBTradeRumors to thrive. If Bud, David or Roger want some advice - I'm glad to make myself available!
Manny had an active weekend - running on the Embarcadero in his Patriots jersey, enjoying a big victory against the Jaguars, and then roaming around Aquatic Park and Fort Mason early this morning. I agree with Manny - today's Chargers vs. Colts game couldn't have gone better for Patriots fans: the two teams played a very physical game, neither was impressive, and we get to play Philip Rivers next weekend. The line opened at 15.5 points - massive.
