Amazingly, the Super Bowl has turned into a cash cow for Animal Planet. While other networks have effectively punted the time slot, not wanting to waste valuable content trying to compete against the most watched event in America, Animal Planet has found a niche. Though the 2018 Puppy Bowl odds won’t get nearly as much attention as the big game, there will likely be more bets on the battle for the Lombarki Trophy than on several of the college basketball, NBA or NHL games played during the day.
The Puppy Bowl was launched 14 years ago as a cheap way to both capitalize on the popularity of the Super Bowl and give non-sports fans something to watch instead of the game. No one knew how big this idea would get though, and it is now Animal Planet’s most watched show every year.
What was once a fun, light-hearted idea has now turned into an institution. Puppy Bowl XIII drew almost 2.5 million viewers last year and was the most watched non-football related show on cable. It is sure to draw a lot of viewers again this season. Who will win the Lombarki Trophy this year?
2018 Puppy Bowl Odds
Team Fluff (-115)
Team Ruff (-115)
Opening 2018 Puppy Bowl Odds Courtesy of BetDSI.eu. Odds subject to change. Click Here for up-to-date odds.
Team Fluff was an underdog coming into the Puppy Bowl last year, having lost the last two games by a wide margin. However, this team was determined to flip the script and did so in dominating fashion. Fluff pounced on Ruff from the beginning and the pups did not take their paws off the gas pedal. They ended up beating Ruff 93-38 in one of the biggest blowouts in Puppy Bowl history.
This year, Ruff is looking for revenge. J-Paw is going to be one of the pups looking to carry the day for his team. J-Paw may be a bit undersized as a miniature poodle and chihuahua mix. However, it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog, and he epitomizes that.
J-Paw is able to use his small stature and quick moves to take toys out of the mouths of unsuspecting foes. Once he is in the open field, look out. He has blazing breakaway speed and can get end to end faster than most dogs in this competition. J-Paw loves his mini football and will hold onto it at all costs. You don’t have to worry about turnovers with him, and that gives Ruff an advantage.
Ana will be one of the puppies helping him try to lead Ruff to a victory. She may not know the rules of the game very well as an Australian cattle dog mix, but is a quick learner. Additionally, that hard-nosed Aussie Rules attitude might be just what this team needs.
She is known for her aggressive nature. While she is cute as can be off the field, as soon as she steps onto the field all niceties are out the door. At 21 pounds, Ana will be one of the larger pups on the field, and she will use that size to her advantage. Look for her to deliver a big hit or two.
Fluff will be looking to defend its title with a miniature poodle and chihuahua mix of its own. Blueberry Pie is one of the more underrated pups coming into this game. It’s easy to underestimate him because of a messy look and tussled bandana, but this is a puppy that will protect his territory. He has been told he needs to cool it at practice a time or two by his fellow pups, and he will have no problem letting it all out on the field.
The last pup to focus on is Lila. She is a chihuahua and toy spaniel mix, giving her a size advantage on her fellow chihuahua mixes. Lila has been giving the staff at her shelter fits because of her propensity to eat shoe laces, but that could come in handy during this game. This quirk has helped her work on her jaw strength, which will aid in taking the ball right out of the opponents’ mouths.
At the end of the day, you have to go with Fluff to defend its title. This team might have a new cast of characters, but last year’s squad has been barking at them all week telling them to keep the tradition alive.
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