NFL fans and sports bettors are in for a treat with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams advancing to Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta.
The Patriots are making their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance as a result of Sunday's AFC Championship Game victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road. The Rams, who beat the New Orleans Saints on the road in the NFC Championship Game, are making their first appearance since Super Bowl XXXVI, when the then-St. Louis Rams lost to the Patriots in a historic upset.
Oddsmakers like the Rams' chances. The early spread for Super Bowl LIII is Rams by one point. The Rams have a high-powered offense, but their defense has been suspect at times and they don't have a ton of Super Bowl experience. The Patriots, meanwhile, have played bend-but-don't break defense in the playoffs so far, along with an offense led by Tom Brady that's made all the clutch plays when needed. The Pats, obviously, also have a huge edge in Super Bowl experience, both in regards to the players and coaches.
It wouldn't be surprising if the line on this game eventually moves to a pick 'em by kickoff on Sunday, Feb. 3.
Here are the early betting lines for Super Bowl LIII (via OddsShark):
Spread: Los Angeles Rams (-1) vs. New England Patriots
Over/Under: 57.5
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