Early bets have Patriots on top

The immense popularity of the NFL cannot be debated, and the same still goes for quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

More than four months before the start of the regular season, bettors are rushing to get behind the Patriots to win the Super Bowl.

"We can't stop the flow of Patriots money coming in on the futures," Las Vegas Hilton sports book director Jay Kornegay said.

New England is the 5-1 favorite to win it all, ahead of the San Diego Chargers (6-1) and defending champion Indianapolis Colts (9-1).

The NFL Draft is a week away, but the Hilton already has posted opening lines for Week 1. Kornegay said action has been steady since he put up the numbers about a week ago.

"Bettors are always hungry for football, whether it's November or April," he said. "By the time Week 1 gets here, some of these could be bargain lines. On the other hand, you might get a better number in September."

The Colts are 6-point home favorites over New Orleans in the season opener Sept. 6.

The Patriots, who blew a big lead in losing the AFC Championship Game at Indianapolis, are 5-point road favorites over the New York Jets on Sept. 9.

New England has improved Brady's supporting cast in the offseason. One key acquisition is linebacker Adalius Thomas, who had 11 sacks last season for the Baltimore Ravens.

"I know why people are betting the Patriots," Kornegay said. "I know I'll be rooting against them. It looks like the Patriots are a lock to win the Super Bowl according to the amount of money and tickets we've written."

The Colts seem weaker. They have lost key players such as running back Dominic Rhodes, who signed with Oakland, and linebacker Cato June, who signed with Tampa Bay.

The Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, which begins Saturday, and are expected to select quarterback JaMarcus Russell from Louisiana State.

"Most likely, I can't see Russell making a huge impact on a team," Kornegay said. "The draft has a very minimal affect on these lines."

Kornegay said the Hilton has taken several $1,000 wagers on Week 1 games, not to mention the usual $20 and $50 bets, but none of the opening numbers have been adjusted.

"It's nothing significant to move anything," he said. "We don't move these lines too quick."