Super Bowl setup is epic

No one will be surprised to see this year’s Super Bowl break all kinds of betting records because of the story lines connected with the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

For bettors who like heavy favorites, you have the undefeated Patriots, who have attracted big money for their games throughout the season.

Then there are the Giants, who have grown into the role as longshot underdogs through their impressive late-season run and the playoffs.

Patriots versus Giants. It’s a matchup that’s expected to shatter the Nevada state record handle for a Super Bowl, set two years ago at $94.5 million when Pittsburgh defeated Seattle.

Even though this year’s Super Bowl is 11 days away, action for the game has already had an effect on the point spread.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants Inc. recommended the Patriots as 14-point favorites and most boards opened with them at 13 1/2 points. But by Tuesday afternoon, the line had dropped to 12 points in many places as a result of major support given to the Giants.

“The early wagers are from the professionals,” said Ken White, chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sports Consultants. “The line is overinflated, due to the success of the New England Patriots this season.

“The general public will not wager until a couple of days before the game, which represents 80% of the money. . . . Look for the line to go back up to 13 or higher.”

Another reason for the decline in the point spread could be the reaction to New England quarterback Tom Brady’s foot or ankle injury. New York supporters probably jumped all over the news about Brady wearing a medical boot Monday.

But White said that may be a reach.

“If there was anything seriously wrong with Brady,” White said, “he would’ve been on crutches.”

More Super Bowl: This year’s game has a good chance to become Nevada’s first $100-million handle for a Super Bowl. And if Internet betting, private pools and street bets were added in, the matchup could easily generate more than $1 billion in wagering.

Last Super Bowl note: A total of $93 million was wagered on last year’s game when Indianapolis defeated Chicago, 29-17. The Colts were seven-point favorites and the total was 47.

Pro hockey

Two of the NHL’s top teams will face off tonight when the Detroit Red Wings play the Ducks at the Honda Center. It will be a game that should draw a few interesting bets.

The Red Wings, who have the league’s best record at 36-10-4 after a 3-0 win over the Kings on Tuesday night, were only 25-24 against the spread with a 22-20 mark in the over/under after defeating San Jose, 6-3, on Saturday.

The Ducks, the defending Stanley Cup champions, have been the NHL’s top team since Scott Niedermayer and Doug Weight joined the lineup, going 12-3-2 over their last 17 games.

But the Ducks have been less than .500 against the spread with a 21-30 mark, and the over/under for their games is at 20-26.

lonnie.white@latimes.com