'Belichick Factor' Confounds Bookies

When they're winning big, NFL teams usually bring off their starters by the fourth quarter. The Patriots don't - and what bookies are calling "The Belichick Factor" is breaking records, reports ESPN. Sports bookmakers in Nevada were hit hard after the Patriots crushed the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, and nobody expects Bill Belichick's team to slow down anytime soon—which is why their next game is setting a record.

The 23.5 point spread for the upcoming Patriots-Eagles game is the biggest ever for a game not involving an expansion team - and a lot of people won't be surprised if it's covered by half-time. The record spread may be a short-lived one: the same oddsmakers who set this line think an even bigger one could be posted when the New England juggernaut faces the Jets on December 16. (More New England Patriots stories.)