SOURCE: Palm Beach Post

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Expected last week to be favored by an NFL-record amount, even as much as 30 points, New England opened Sunday night as a 24-point favorite, but it dropped 2½ points Monday.

The record spread remains 27 for Sunday's Jets-Patriots game - a 20-10 win by New England.

Sunday's turn of events for the Dolphins not only affected the betting line. The win left CBS without the matchup it anticipated.

The network changed the game time last week from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and assigned its No. 1 broadcasting team - Jim Nantz and Phil Simms.

"Everyone was anticipating 0-14 vs. 14-0," Holliday said. "Not anymore."

The idea of a Dolphins' upset remains far-fetched, but the Patriots haven't looked invincible lately.

Three of New England's past four wins have been by 10 points or fewer, including three-point wins against the Eagles and Ravens.

The Patriots won each of their first 10 games by at least 17 points, except a 24-20 win at Indianapolis.

Cameron said teams recently have tried everything they can to confuse New England and pull off an upset.

"It's just people trying to give them a variety of looks, and it's easier said than done," he said. "They've still found ways to win and that's the bottom line."

Bad weather played a role in New England's win Sunday against the Jets. Rain and gusts more than 20 mph forced the pass-happy Patriots to rely on their running game, which finished with more than 100 yards for just the fourth time this season.

The win clinched home-field advantage for New England throughout the playoffs. But a visit from the Dolphins won't be a day off for the Patriots.

"We're paid professionals. None of this taking a break," Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs told The Associated Press. "Knowing Bill Belichick, I don't see that coming."

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