Despite all the speculation about Terrell Owens playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, his status is not likely to move the line on the game at Las Vegas sports books.
The New England Patriots opened as 6 1/2-point favorites over the Eagles and the spread quickly moved to 7. The total jumped from 46 1/2 to 48.
Stardust sports book director Bob Scucci said he expects the Patriots to remain 7-point favorites until the game kicks off Feb. 6.
"I can't see it going to 7 1/2," Scucci said. "I would have to see all the wise guys jump on the Patriots before I go to 7 1/2, and I just don't see it happening."
New England, which has won two of the past three Super Bowls, is a tough team to bet against. The Patriots, off two one-sided victories in the playoffs, have won 31 of their past 33 games.
After stopping the NFL's highest-scoring offense in a 20-3 win over the Indianapolis Colts, New England shredded the league's No. 1 defense in a 41-27 win over Pittsburgh in the AFC title game.
Even the possible return of Owens, arguably the NFL's best wide receiver, might not rally a lot of support for the Eagles. Owens suffered a severe right-ankle injury that required surgery Dec. 22.
Scucci said he expects the Patriots and over the total to be the most popular plays. New England is minus-270 on the money line with Philadelphia plus-210.
"It's typical that all the early money is going to be on the favorite and the late money will come in on the underdog," Scucci said. "What money you see on the Eagles is on the money line, and that's also typical."
Scucci said about 70 percent of the money wagered on the Super Bowl will be on the side and total, with proposition bets and parlay cards accounting for the rest.
• AFL NUMBERS UP -- The NFL front office frowns upon Las Vegas books, but the Arena Football League embraces betting. Those philosophical differences are on display at the Plaza, the official visiting team hotel for the Gladiators.
Plaza sports book director Lou D'Amico has posted the entire AFL schedule and every game is open for wagering.
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