74°F
weather icon Clear

Patriots spreads adjusted again after Tom Brady sacked by suspension

As soon as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was sacked Monday by the legal system, with a federal appeals court reinstating his four-game suspension by the NFL, Las Vegas oddsmakers scrambled to adjust numbers.

But there was no sense of widespread panic. Everyone went through this drill last summer, and oddsmakers were aware it could happen again.

“It’s nice to have Deflate-gate back in our lives,” said Jason Simbal, vice president of CG Technology sports books. “It never ends.”

CG Technology moved New England’s Super Bowl odds from 6-1 to 8-1, making the Patriots co-favorites with Seattle.

Brady could appeal the ruling and drag out the issue. But if he does sit out the season’s first four games, New England still will be favored in three of those games with backup Jimmy Garoppolo in Brady’s shoes. The Patriots were posted as 1-point underdogs at Arizona in Week 1, and the line was adjusted to 4½.

“We have Brady’s value anywhere from 3½ to 4½ points based on the moves,” Simbal said.

In Week 2, New England is now a 6-point home favorite over Miami, after the line opened at 9½ last week. The Patriots’ next two home games against Houston and Buffalo each were adjusted from minus-7 to minus-3.

Oddsmakers regard Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers as the quarterback most valuable to the point spread mainly because of his weaker supporting cast.

New England’s regular-season win total was dropped from 10½ (Over minus-155) to 10 (Under minus-125).

The Westgate sports book took down the Patriots-Cardinals game but did not adjust any futures odds at this time.

Contact sports betting reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow on Twitter: @mattyoumans247

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Packers can run table behind red-hot Aaron Rodgers

After five consecutive wins, the Green Bay Packers (9-6) are headed for Detroit to knock on the door in search of the NFC North title.

Anti-Alabama action surprises oddsmakers

It’s seldom wise to bet against Nick Saban in a big game. But the line on the Peach Bowl has dipped to Alabama minus-13½ against Washington.

Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott in running for MVP

Dallas (12-2) has clinched the top seed in the NFC. Detroit (9-5) can lock up at least a wild-card spot by beating the Cowboys on Monday night.

NBA betting: Warriors, Cavaliers reunited on Christmas Day

A rematch of the past two NBA Finals highlights Sunday’s five-game schedule. Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors are 2½-point favorites at Cleveland.

Future brighter for Steve Alford, UCLA basketball

UCLA, 13-0 and ranked No. 2, represents the biggest surprise of the college basketball season. The Bruins’ odds to win the national championship were posted at 50-1 in early November.

Patriots help punch Las Vegas books for another loss

Three popular favorites (New England, Oakland and Pittsburgh) and one trendy underdog (Tampa Bay) paid off the betting public in NFL Week 15.

Most factors favor Derek Carr, Raiders in Relocation Bowl

The Raiders, 10-3 and smelling a playoff spot for the first time in 14 years, are 3-point favorites at San Diego. Philip Rivers and the Chargers (5-8) are fading again.

Baltimore defense will be tough test for Tom Brady

Joe Flacco and the Ravens are 7-point underdogs at New England on Monday. Baltimore has won and covered four of its past five games.