For the third consecutive game Philadelphia is an underdog in the NFL Playoffs as sports books gave them six points against the defending champion New England Patriots for Super Bowl LII. Bettors quickly jumped on the NFC Champions and the line was dropped to 5 ½ at most Las Vegas facilities.
CG Technology casinos, including the Hard Rock, Palms, and Silverton, still have the game at six points, but the Westgate LV SuperBook, Mirage and Wynn all dropped it a half-point. William Hill, which services many of the downtown casinos and has a mobile betting application, has the game a full-point lower than the opening number of six.
The over-under line also moved. It began at 47 and quickly jumped to 48. William Hill posted it at 48 ½. Most of the internet sits have the over at 48.
The Eagles will be the biggest Super Bowl underdog since 2009 when Arizona received seven points against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They lost, 27-23, but covered the spread. Philadelphia met New England in 2005 in the title game and the Patriots were a 6-point pick. New England won, 24-21, but also didn’t cover.
Relishing Underdog Role
Philadelphia had the dubious distinction of being the first No. 1 seed to not be favored in a playoff game. They got 2 ½-points when they faced Atlanta in a divisional playoff game at home and won, 15-10. In Sunday’s NFC Championship Minnesota was a 3-point selection at Philadelphia and the Eagles blasted them, 38-7.
The big reason for odds maker’s doubts has been quarterback Nick Foles. He took over for Carson Wentz Dec. 10 after the signal caller suffered a season-ending knee injury. Though he didn’t look as steady as Wentz, he went 2-1 in the games he started in the regular season and is now leading his squad to the biggest game of their careers.
Foles said after the trouncing of the Vikings that the confidence he feels got him to the big game.
“I just think you’ve got to keep going at it,” Foles said. “And we all believe in each other.
Patriots Still King
Of course the Patriots as the favorites to win the Super Bowl is no surprise and they would have been the pick no matter who they faced. Coach Bill Belichick’s team has been the top choice since the preseason, though the odds have fluctuated from August to now.
Before the season they were 6-1 to capture the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the second consecutive year. They were as low as minus-180. Internet sites have them anywhere from 2-5 to 7-17.
The reason for the confidence on the Patriots by the sports books is history. It’s the eighth Super Bowl appearance for quarterback Tom Brady, who has won five times and said after winning the AFC Championship in a comeback it has become a trademark for this organization.
“It’s pretty crazy,” Brady said. “It’s pretty amazing. Just to be on a team that wins these kinds of games.”