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The line is 7. Whom do oddsmakers like in the Super Bowl?(Counterpoints)(Brief Article)
Take the Pats
Last year, the Super Bowl was too difficult to handicap, so it opened with the Raiders at -3 and didn't move. This year is a different story. The week before the conference championships, we had the Patriots favored by 7 in a potential matchup with the Panthers, and that's where it's basically stayed, although we dropped it to 6 1/2 briefly to test the water.
Probably 80 or 90 percent of the money bet on the game will be wagered in the last three days. The late money is your professional gamblers--we're expecting 40 to 50 bets in six figures.
Ultimately, we believe the late money will be bet on the Patriots. They've been the most consistent team against the spread all season, and they're an even better road team than Carolina. I think it's the smart play--I see them getting a lead early, and I can't see Jake Delhomme coming from behind successfully. I like New England to win, 27-10.
Robert Walker is director of the race and sports book at the Mirage Hotel in Las ...