Kenneth Gainwell first-TD bettors react to Eagles RB being ruled short on review, Jalen Hurts stealing score

Jacob Camenker

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Kenneth Gainwell first-TD bettors react to Eagles RB being ruled short on review, Jalen Hurts stealing score image

Kenneth Gainwell touchdown bettors were overjoyed for a moment at the beginning of the 2023 Super Bowl. The second-year Eagles back appeared to plunge into the end zone for the game's opening score to deliver gamblers a big win.

Gainwell, one of Philadelphia's backup running backs, was considered a long shot to score the game's first TD. BetMGM sportsbook had him listed at +1600 odds (16-1) to get it, meaning that anyone who had bet $100 on Gainwell to score first would receive a payout of $1,600.

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Certainly, there was reason for excitement for those bettors. However, there was just one problem: Gainwell came up just short of the end zone. 

Indeed, Gainwell's shoulder crashed to the ground just inches short of the goal line. It was clearly visible on replay review, so the touchdown was called back.

On the next play, the Eagles called their "Two-Cheek Sneak" with quarterback Jalen Hurts. He plunged up the middle to get Philadephia on the board.

Hurts had +800 odds (8-1) to get the first touchdown of the game, so bettors who had equal wagers on both players saw their winnings cut in half.

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Those who didn't have Hurts to score first lamented that Gainwell couldn't quite power his way into the end zone. Meanwhile, others poked fun at the big betting swing that occurred on the first drive of the Super Bowl.

Gainwell bettors may be kicking themselves to start the Super Bowl, but they will have plenty of other bets that can prop them up as the game goes on.

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And those with Gainwell anytime touchdown tickets can take solace in the fact that he was given a carry on the goal line so early in the contest.

Jacob Camenker

Jacob Camenker Photo

Jacob Camenker first joined The Sporting News as a fantasy football intern in 2018 after his graduation from UMass. He became a full-time employee with TSN in 2021 and now serves as a senior content producer with a particular focus on the NFL. Jacob worked at NBC Sports Boston as a content producer from 2019 to 2021. He is an avid fan of the NFL Draft and ranked 10th in FantasyPros’ Mock Draft Accuracy metric in both 2021 and 2022.