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Jan. 23, 2017 / 1:28 AM

Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots open as 3-point favorites

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with his team after the Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-17 in the AFC Championship at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on January 22, 2017. The Patriots will take on the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. Photo by Matthew Healey/ UPI

1 of 3 | New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with his team after the Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-17 in the AFC Championship at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on January 22, 2017. The Patriots will take on the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. Photo by Matthew Healey/ UPI | License Photo

Heading to their record ninth Super Bowl, the New England Patriots opened as three-point favorites over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, according to Las Vegas sports books.

The bookmakers also eyeing an offensive explosion on Feb. 5 in Houston.

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The over-under started at 57 or 58 on Sunday after the NFC and AFC title games, but ESPN.com reported that it was quickly bet up to 59 or even 59.5 at some books. According to VegasInsider.com, the highest over-under for a Super Bowl was 57 for Super Bowl XLIV. The New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17, leaving the "under" as the winner.

VegasInsider.com reported that the Patriots are 2-5-1 against the spread in Super Bowls, 0-4 against the spread as favorites. Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady are 4-2 straight up in Super Bowls, with both defeats coming against the New York Giants.

The Falcons' only previous Super Bowl appearance was a 34-19 loss to the Denver Broncos in January 1999. Atlanta, the underdog, failed to cover a 7 1/2-point spread.

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The "over" won in four of the past six Super Bowls, according to VegasInsider.com.

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