Patriots The Early Favorite In Vegas

DENVER (The Sports Xchange/CBS4) - Las Vegas is banking on the New England Patriots defeating the Broncos and advancing to the Super Bowl.

According to ESPN.com, the Patriots opened as a 2.5-point favorite over the host Broncos in next Sunday's AFC Championship Game, but the line soon moved to New England by 3.5.

The Carolina Panthers, who will play host to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game, are a three-point favorite.

The Patriots beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 on Saturday, covering a 4.5-point spread. The Broncos nearly covered a 7.5-point spread during their 23-16 win over the Steelers on Sunday, but Pittsburgh kicked a field goal in the final minutes.

The Panthers charged to a 31-0 halftime lead over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, then held on to win 31-24 and cover a 2.5-point spread. The Cardinals edged the Green Bay Packers 26-20 in overtime, but Arizona couldn't beat the 6.5-point spread.