Super Bowl 2012: Point Spread Holds Steady Due to Rob Gronkowski Injury

The New England Patriots were sent out as 3.5-point neutral-site favorites in Super Bowl XLVI on Jan. 22, but that number was immediately bet down due to the uncertainty of tight end Rob Gronkowski's sprained left ankle.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have already spoken about his potential effectiveness inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, as the AFC champions would likely be favored by at least 4.5 points with a healthy Gronkowski in tow.

The former Arizona Wildcats star was limited in practice Thursday and will likely serve as a decoy in the offensive game plan.

Sports bettors have plenty of options to choose from in wagering on this contest, including alternative lines that can provide a higher payout or more security.

Let's take a closer look at the numbers from a betting perspective.

New England Patriots (-4.5)

The Super Bowl point spread will basically move in the direction of public money at this point, as the New England Patriots are very discrete about player injuries in the final days leading into any game.

If you believe that Rob Gronkowski will be close to 100 percent on Sunday, I suggest playing this option due to its representation of a true line with all players healthy on each side.

New England Patriots (-4.5, +140)

New York Giants (+4.5, -170)

New York Giants (-3.5)

The New York Giants registered a 24-20 come-from-behind victory over the New England Patriots during the regular season as nine-point road underdogs, which certainly makes this offering appealing.

Before going all-in with this alternative point spread, keep in mind that the Giants haven't been favored in this series since they captured a 13-10 win as 13.5-point road favorites on Jan. 30, 1990.

The Giants were also 1-4 against the spread as favorites of 3.5 points or more during the 2011-12 campaign.

New York Giants (-3.5, +190)

New England Patriots (+3.5, -230)

New England Patriots (+7.5)

The New England Patriots suffered three defeats this season, with the largest coming by eight points in a 25-17 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers as three-point road favorites.

Don't think for a second that the oddsmakers aren't aware of this.

This alternative point spread offers absolutely no betting value, but it deserves a look if you believe there's no chance that Tom Brady gets beat by more than a touchdown in a Super Bowl.

New England Patriots (+7.5, -450)

New York Giants (-7.5, +325)

New York Giants (-10.5)

I'd recommend getting involved in this alternative point spread if you believe the New York Giants will hold the New England Patriots to 14 points or less.

Justin Tuck and the Giants' defensive line will need to get to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in similar fashion to their 17-14 upset win in XLII.

New England's lowest point total this season was 17 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8.

The tariff is way too high to suggest a wager on the Patriots at this number.

New York Giants (-10.5, +475)

New England Patriots (+10.5, -700)

New England Patriots (-14.5)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is an astounding 43-13 when playing for revenge in his NFL career—something that the casual bettor will have no problem backing due to the smallish point spread.

If you're anticipating the Patriots winning in blowout fashion, I suggest playing an alternative line that's higher than 10.5 points.

Definitely look for a number around 14.

I'm already locked in on the original number on the other side.

New England Patriots (-14.5, +350)

New York Giants (+14.5, -500)