Unless you’ve just landed on planet Earth you’ve probably heard about the upcoming Super Bowl game between the unbeaten New England Patriots and the red hot New York Giants on Feb. 3. But have you heard the latest rumor?

Seems the Patriots aren’t so perfect after all…not since Patriots QB Tom Brady has been spotted hobbling around with cast on his leg. Actually, the rumor started with it being a leg cast, then it was updated to an ankle cast and now it’s a foot cast.

Big deal, right? Wrong. Most Vegas boards opened with the Patriots as 13 1/2 point favorites but by Tuesday afternoon the line had dropped to 12 points. Now, one reason could be the sudden support for the Giants…but another reason (and it’s one that I’m leaning towards) could have something to do with the Tom Brady injury rumor.

Scare tactic, bet tactic…or the real deal? Whatever the case may be you can be sure that any type of story will only bring more bettors to throw down some money on Super Bowl XLII.

Ever wonder who places their Super Bowl bets early?

“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,” White added. “Look for the line to go back up to 13 or higher.”