American football: Minnesota Vikings' extra-point kneel may have been a US$1 billion decision

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs runs down the sideline for the game-winning touchdown. Photo / AP photo

The Minnesota Vikings treated American football fans to a wild finish after Stefon Diggs scored a 61-yard touchdown right at the death to beat the New Orleans Saints.

But the result was every bit the roller coaster ride for the betting community as well.

The last-second touchdown put the Vikings up 29-24, and by NFL rule, they were required to at least attempt an extra point.

But with no time left on the clock and with the win beyond doubt, the Vikings decided to burn the potential extra point and take a knee.

This etched the five-point margin in stone, leading to reportedly over US$1 billion changing hands in the betting community.

Because the Vikings entered the matchup as 5.5 point favourites, their decision not to kick the extra point proved costly for bettors who wagered on the Minnesota team.

💰MILLIONS SWING
If Vikings kick & make EXTRA POINT, nearly every Minnesota bettor WINS. Kneeling resulted in most Minnesota bettors losing. pic.twitter.com/26dejx01qk

— RJ Bell (@RJinVegas) January 15, 2018

According to Fox Sports Radio host Dan Patrick, that decision was ultimately a billion dollar one.

"The decision not to kick the PAT [point after touchdown] after Stefon Diggs' touchdown to beat the Saints caused over $1 billion to change hands off-shore and with legal bookmakers," Patrick reported on The Dan Patrick Show for Fox Sports Radio.

"$1 billion to change hands because you didn't kick the extra point."

The kneel ultimately proved to be costly for many Vikings fans who bet on their own team.

When they kneel for the deciding point lol pic.twitter.com/UXD9sMevmJ

— Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) January 15, 2018