Panthers Open Up 4-point Favorites in Vegas Over Broncos

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Carolina Panthers will be favored to beat the Denver Broncos and win the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.

Oddsmakers didn't even wait until the Panthers finished off the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday to install them as favorites in the game two weeks from now. At most books in this gambling city, the Panthers were a 4-point pick, though the early line varied.

Bettors couldn't wait to get early action on the game at the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook, which posted a line as the third quarter of the Cardinals-Panthers game was winding down. The initial line favored Carolina by 5 ½ points, and was quickly bet down to 4 points.

The over/under on the game was settling in at 45 points in early betting.