Here at The Loop, we do not bet-shame and we most certainly do not unit-shame, either. However, extenuating circumstances have led to us breaking one of those rules on this fine Thursday morning.
This week, an image circulating on social media from an old episode of "The Simpsons" has caused bettors to take serious action on a specific Super Bowl prop bet. Given "The Simpsons"' history of old episodes being scary accurate when it comes to predicting the future, it makes sense. Any gambler worth their salt knows never to ignore a good old-fashioned sign. An omen, if you will.
In the image (it's actually three separate images), you'll see Homer Simpson lifting up his shirt to reveal "GO BENGALS" painted on his stomach, six Bengals cheerleaders, and a screenshot of what everyone assumed was the Bengals helmet and a L.A. helmet. The NFL Memes account that posted the images also randomly posted the score over it, 34-31, Bengals:
The problem, as many were quick to point out, is that in the episode these images are pulled from, the Bengals are actually playing the Miami Dolphins:
There's even an old clip from the Season 3 episode, which aired in 1992, days before the then Washington Redskins defeated the Buffalo Bills 37-24 in Super Bowl XXVI. In the episode, Homer and Lisa bond over Lisa's ability to pick football games, which Homer subsequently bets on. Lisa picks Miami in the particular clip, and the Dolphins beat the Bengals:
Of course, none of this has stopped bettors from flocking to sportsbooks to place a "correct score" prop bet. According to Darren Rovell of The Action Network, the Bengals defeating the Rams by the exact score of 34-31 has become by far the most popular correct-score bet at two prominent sportsbooks - FanDuel and BetMGM. It was being bet so much that BetMGM lowered the odds from 125-1 to 80-1.
Again, we don't bet-shame, except when everyone takes a photoshopped image as gospel. But hey, it's their money. Have at it, folks. If it actually plays out that the Bengals win 34-31, these people will quite literally be laughing all the way to the bank.
The best of Golf Digest delivered daily
Sign UpWill be used in accordance with our PRIVACY POLICY