Munaf Manji and Dave Essler recap Super Bowl LX and talk basketball and more.
The Cash That Ticket Podcast on RJ Bell’s Dream Preview returned the Monday after Super Bowl 60 with Munaf Manji and Dave Essler recapping Seattle’s 29 to 13 win over New England and shifting focus to futures, NBA action, and college basketball. Seattle’s defense dominated throughout the postseason and again in the Super Bowl, pressuring rookie quarterback Drake May, forcing turnovers, and controlling the game with a physical, run heavy approach. Kenneth Walker earned Super Bowl MVP honors with 135 rushing yards on 27 carries, becoming the first running back to win the award since Terrell Davis. Cooper Kupp led Seattle receivers with 61 yards, while A.J. Barner added 54 yards and a touchdown. New England struggled to protect May, who finished with 295 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, while the Seahawks recorded six sacks and won the turnover battle by three. Essler noted the outcome followed the same script as New England’s playoff run, with elite defenses exposing the Patriots’ young offensive line. Despite the loss, both hosts expressed optimism about New England’s future, citing cap space, roster turnover, and the foundation of May, head coach Mike Vrabel, and a strong defense. Early Super Bowl odds for next season listed Seattle and the Rams as co favorites at plus 950, followed by Buffalo, Philadelphia, New England, and Baltimore. Essler highlighted Denver at 18 to one as a value play and mentioned Houston as intriguing but dependent on C.J. Stroud’s development, while also floating the Giants at 70 to one as a long shot based on coaching and returning talent. Attention then turned to Monday’s NBA slate, starting with Detroit at Charlotte, where both hosts discussed the Hornets’ nine game winning streak driven by improved defense. Essler leaned toward LaMelo Ball over 18.5 points and suggested a live betting approach on the spread, while Manji favored the under based on recent defensive trends. In Cleveland at Denver, the focus was on a high total near 240 points, with both agreeing the over remained playable given Denver’s season long scoring pace and defensive absences, along with Cleveland missing Evan Mobley. Manji also targeted Nikola Jokic rebounds and assists over 23.5, citing increased minutes and consistent production against the Cavaliers. Essler added a situational lean toward Cleveland with the All Star break approaching. For best bets, Essler selected Bradley as a home underdog against Belmont in college basketball, pointing to Belmont’s road struggles and heavy public action failing to move the line. Manji closed with Jokic over rebounds and assists as his official play, emphasizing form, matchup history, and expected tempo. The episode concluded with reminders about bankroll discipline as football ends and basketball markets draw increased attention.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices