Carolina's Stephen Davis came back from a hamstring injury to rush for 76 yards on 19 carries Sunday.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is no stranger to NFL bettors. Two years ago, he led a team that was a two-touchdown underdog to a Super Bowl victory.
When the line for Super Bowl XXXVIII opened Sunday night, Brady and the Patriots were 7-point favorites over the Carolina Panthers in the Feb. 1 game at Houston.
It's not the most desirable matchup for sports books, mainly because the Panthers are regarded as an uninspiring team with relatively anonymous players.
Stardust sports book director Bob Scucci said he expects decreased betting interest on what is always the year's biggest game in Las Vegas.
"The general public likes to see high-powered offenses in the Super Bowl," Scucci said. "The Panthers may not be the most exciting team to watch.
"But it's still the Super Bowl, and it's not going to slow people down to where they won't bet on the game at all. Maybe they just won't bet as much."
A total of $71.7 million was wagered in the state on the Super Bowl last year, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and this year's game isn't likely to top that handle.
The most recognizable face in the game will be Brady, who helped the Patriots post the league's best records straight-up (16-2) and against the spread (14-3-1) this season.
Brady passed for 237 yards and one touchdown in a 24-14 victory over Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game, the early game Sunday.
Scucci said he was prepared at that point to make New England a 6 1/2-point favorite over Carolina -- or a 4 1/2-point pick over Philadelphia -- in the Super Bowl. But after watching the Panthers win 14-3 in the NFC Championship Game, Scucci gave the Patriots the benefit of the doubt.
"We could see Patriots money coming in, so instead of hanging it at 6 1/2, we put it at 7 and we'll let the money move us off that number," Scucci said.
Carolina, led by quarterback Jake Delhomme, running back Stephen Davis and a sturdy defense, does have the respect of bettors. The Panthers were the more heavily bet team in their playoff wins over Dallas, St. Louis and Philadelphia.
"It seems to me that trend will continue," Scucci said. "People will see value in getting a touchdown, especially in what should be a low-scoring game. But I think 7 is the right number."
The Stardust opened the total at 38, and Las Vegas Sports Consultants posted 38 1/2.
"I think Brady is probably still the most underrated quarterback in the league, if that can be possible," Scucci said. "He's already won a Super Bowl. He doesn't do anything stellar, but he's so consistent.
"The Patriots also have an edge in coaching. Bill Belichick is the best coach in the NFL right now. He has been a genius at devising a defensive game plan that just baffles opponents. You have to take all that into consideration."
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