Patriots, Panthers favorites in title games

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs off the field after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in a NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

If the oddsmakers have it right, the Super Bowl will be a showdown between Tom Brady and Cam Newton.

New England opened as a 3-point road favorite over Denver in the AFC Championship Game next weekend. The line is 3½ at some Las Vegas books, and the total is 44½.

Carolina is a 3-point home favorite over Arizona in the NFC title game, and the total is 47½.

“I think they are going to bet the Patriots and Panthers like crazy, and the books are going to need one of the underdogs to step up and either cover or win the game outright,” Westgate sports book director Jay Kornegay said.

The Patriots-Broncos game will attract a larger wagering handle because it features two of the NFL’s most popular public teams plus legendary quarterbacks in Brady and Peyton Manning. Brady is 11-5 in head-to-head duels with Manning.

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