SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal

Continued from page 2

"Everybody's got action on something going on in this game," says Roberts, who likes the Patriots to win big. "There's nothing like it."

1:56 p.m. -- On to the Downtown area, where I pass by two security guards smoking cigarettes outside the Gold Strike Casino. "Who do you guys like in the game?" I ask.

"I like the Giants," says Fred the security guard. "If they can get in what's-his-name's face and keep him from throwing the ball, it'll be a good game. It won't be a blowout."

What's-his-name must be Brady. (Great analysis, it turns out.)

2:05 p.m. -- Inside the smoky Binion's sports book, three guys who could pass for The Three Stooges huddle up. The line has just been moved to 111/2. "The spread is shrinking," the ringleader says. "We should take the Giants."

His buddy, gripping a Bud Light bottle, shouts out his best bet: "Ten bucks on over 10 points in the first quarter."

2:22 p.m. -- Driving from Downtown and heading for the Wynn Las Vegas feels like crossing the border from Tijuana to San Diego.

2:37 p.m. -- A line of 48 people snakes through the Wynn book into the casino. Kickoff is less than an hour away.

The point spread is 12, and the total is 55.

Wynn sports book director John Avello has predicted the Patriots to win by 28, but he says, "My opinion on a game like this is never that strong. This is one game where you make a number and hope you get balanced action."

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