Indy Colts Super Bowl Favorites, Saints Close

The National Football League's two best teams from the regular season have fittingly made it into the Super Bowl, with the odds showing that Indianapolis are slight favorites to beat New Orleans.

The Colts, who beat the New York Jets 30-17 in the AFC final after finishing the regular season with a 14-2 record, start the match a 10/21 favorites (according to Ladbrokes and Paddy Power odds).

The Saints, who needed a field goal in overtime for a last-gasp victory over Minnesota in the NFC final after winning 13 games during the regular season, are 7/4 at both bookmakers.

There are plenty more betting options, and for punters backing the Saints it might be worth getting in early, as those odds could shorten if there is any talk of an upset in the lead-up to the big game.

Ladbrokes is offering odds on how the first touchdown is scored (regardless of which team scores it), with passing considered the most likely option at 8/13, followed by rushing, 3/2, and specials/team defense listed at 8/1.

Like many bookmakers, Paddy Power is making things interesting with handicap betting, giving New Orleans a 5.5 point start - not enough to cover a touchdown but enough to cover a field goal.

The game begins 6:25 pm Eastern Time on Sunday February 7, with all the usual fanfare associated with the biggest day in the American sporting calendar.