Chad Millman, Chief Content Officer of Action Network, has built a career at the intersection of sports journalism and betting analysis. With previous stints at ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com, Millman has long been a trusted voice for sports fans and bettors alike. Joining him on The Favorites, the podcast I had the chance to eavesdrop in on this week, is Simon Hunter, a seasoned professional bettor with an acute eye for finding value in betting markets. Together, they deliver analysis, entertain and give inside scoops on sports betting.
The Super Bowl LIX recap episode captured all of the emotions of the biggest game of the year. Millman opened the show with a blend of exhaustion and excitement: “Last night, we reached the end of a long, winding, thrilling, sickening, glorious, depressing, fun-filled, drama-inducing, maddening, uplifting season.” Hunter, torn between his emotions as an Eagles fan and a bettor, quipped, “Am I supposed to be a depressed bettor or a really happy Eagles fan?”
Hunter shared his surreal experience celebrating the Eagles’ dominant victory on Broad Street, describing fireworks, spontaneous engagements, and the inevitable mayhem. Millman, whose son studies at Drexel, laughed, imagining his son amidst the chaos. The duo then dissected the game’s key moments, particularly Patrick Mahomes’ uncharacteristic struggles. “Three turnovers? It was brutal,” Hunter noted, emphasizing the relentless pressure from the Eagles’ defensive front.
As the show went on, the hosts explored the unique betting landscape of the Super Bowl, highlighting how even casual bettors echoed the sentiments of professionals. Hunter remarked, “Even Mr. Joe Public was saying the same thing as professionals: ‘The Eagles have the better team, but I like the quarterback and Andy Reid.’” Millman then reflected on the unexpected challenges faced by the Chiefs, particularly Mahomes’ protection issues.
The discussion shifted to the broader implications of the game, both for future betting and the legacy of players involved. Millman and Hunter analyzed how this Super Bowl differed from past ones in terms of line movement, public betting patterns, and sharp money influence. They highlighted how the total points market became volatile with late movement, reflecting how bettors were split on whether Mahomes and the Chiefs could find success against the Eagles’ defense.
Humor and personal anecdotes really added to the content. Millman said his son and friends were more engaged in Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show than the game. Hunter lamented his betting misfortunes, especially a lost under bet due to Mahomes’ final 50-yard pass. “That pass was brutal,” Hunter admitted. “One second I was counting my winnings, and the next, I was watching my ticket go up in flames.”
Despite the gambling setbacks, the hosts expressed optimism next NFL season. Hunter favored the Packers at 25-1 odds, citing their young core and the potential for a breakout season from Jordan Love. Millman backed the 49ers at 17-1, liking their ability to reload despite potential roster changes.
Millman and Hunter also discussed the broader impact of this Super Bowl on sports betting, emphasizing how the game’s unpredictable nature highlighted the thin margins in betting. Hunter shared insights on managing betting expectations, stressing the importance of discipline. “You can have the best analysis and still lose,” Hunter explained. “It’s why bankroll management is key.” Millman also highlighted some of Action Network’s growth in providing bettors with tools to navigate complex betting landscapes.
The hosts praised Nick Sirianni, for the Eagle’s strategic execution. Hunter noted Sirianni’s evolution from a criticized rookie coach to a Super Bowl champion. They also debated potential offseason moves, including Travis Kelce’s possible retirement and the Chiefs’ need to rebuild their offensive line. “Kelce’s leadership is irreplaceable,” Millman remarked. “If he steps away, it changes everything for Mahomes.”
Later, the hosts looked at early odds for next year’s Super Bowl, with Millman and Hunter evaluating teams likely to emerge as value plays in the offseason. They emphasized the importance of waiting for key free agency moves before placing significant futures bets but acknowledged the allure of locking in longshot odds before the market fully adjusts.
Beyond the game, the hosts explored how sportsbooks reacted to the Super Bowl’s outcome. Hunter noted that many books had heavily juiced lines in favor of the Chiefs leading up to the game, creating value for those willing to bet against the public. Millman explained how oddsmakers adjust for public sentiment, highlighting the challenge of finding true value bets in high-profile games.
Ultimately, The Favorites podcast provided an insightful, entertaining, and informative breakdown of Super Bowl LIX. The detailed game analysis, humorous exchanges, and forward-looking betting strategies exemplified why Millman and Hunter are must-listen voices in the sports betting industry. Their ability to blend expert insight with engaging storytelling makes the podcast a standout in the sports media landscape, ensuring listeners gain both entertainment and actionable betting knowledge.
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Dave Greene is the Chief Media Officer for Barrett Media. His background includes over 25 years in media and content creation. A former sports talk host and play-by-play broadcaster, Dave transitioned to station and sales management, co-founded and created a monthly sports publication and led an ownership group as the operating partner. He has managed stations and sales teams for Townsquare Media, Cumulus Media and Audacy. Upon leaving broadcast media he co-founded Podcast Heat, a sports and entertainment podcasting network specializing in pro wrestling nostalgia. To interact, find him on Twitter @mr_podcasting. You can also reach him by email at Dave@BarrettMedia.com.
