THE LINE: New England was established as a 6 1/2-point favorite over the Philadelphia Eagles at many Las Vegas sports books when the betting line for this year's game was posted Sunday night.

My Take: The Eagles will have two weeks to rush the return of Owens from a broken leg. The Patriots, meanwhile, have a decent chance of having defensive end Richard Seymour back on the field. Bet on Seymour more than Owens. Owens is coming off a broken leg. Seymour is coming off a knee injury that didn't require surgery. Both players are Pro Bowlers and both are significant. The advantage goes to the Patriots if they are able to get their best defensive player back on the field.

Numbers cruncher: Even though it's a passing league, receivers probably won't be a big factor in this Super Bowl. Owens, at best, could be a role player coming off a broken leg. So who is the biggest receiving threat in the Super Bowl? There isn't one. David Givens is the most accomplished with a mere 56 catches for 874 yards and just three touchdowns. After Owens' 77 catches and Brian Westbrook' 73 receptions, Todd Pinkston is the next best threat for the Eagles with 36 receptions for 676 yards. Without a true big-play 70-catch receiver, there is no go-to guy. Expect the Super Bowl MVP to be a running back or a quarterback, not a receiver.

For The Eagles To Win - McNabb will have to passe for 270 yards and Westbrook will have to rushe for at least 75. That's going to be tough. The Patriots defense under Belichick is usually successful taking away one strength of an opponent's offense. It should take away some of aspect of the Eagles passing game and the Eagles aren't built to win on the ground. That's why the Patriots are favored to win by a touchdown.

For The Patriots To Win - Tom Brady will have to run an efficient offense, passing for 250 yards and throwing two or three touchdown passes. With the new emphasis on illegal contact, those type of numbers should be expected. After all I do believe we are seeing Joe Montana Jr. out there on the football field. Only this guy doesn't have a Jerry Rice to throw to. Brady just has "IT" !!

Check back later this week - Much more where this came from.

POKER ROOM IS OPEN - You'll get the choice of playing Texas Hold'em or Seven Card Stud in one of our many Multi-Player Online Poker Rooms. Works with your existing Casino/Sportsbook account - No need to sign up again, your existing account gives you complete access to the Poker Room . 10% Deposit Bonus Only By Clicking Here ---- Register Today With Our #1 Sportsbook Click Here Today