LAS VEGAS (AP) — Denver would be a slight favorite if quarterback Bo Nix was healthy and ready to play Sunday in the AFC championship game, but the Broncos instead are fairly substantial underdogs to New England. It's a development that has caused some head shaking in the sports betting industry. The Broncos would be about 1 1/2-point favorites in the AFC championship game, but as of Wednesday afternoon, the Patriots were favored by 5 points at BetMGM Sportsbook and 4 1/2 at Caesars Sportsbook. “Typically, a quarterback is worth about four points to the line,” BetMGM sports trader Christian Cipollini said. “This line movement based off that opening line is pretty close to six or seven, which I find pretty interesting. I personally think as we get closer to kickoff, it'll come back closer to the Broncos. I think this will close maybe 3 1/2, 4, but we'll see what happens.” Nix is out for the remainder of the postseason after breaking his right ankle late in Saturday's 33-30 victory over Buffalo in the divisional playoffs round. Jarrett Stidham, who last started a game in 2023, will take his place. Joey Feazel, head of football at Caesars, said he was surprised to see such a significant line movement. “I don't think Bo Nix is heavily regarded as an elite quarterback in the league or a true game-changer,” Feazel said. “Obviously, he made some really good throws this past weekend and has been consistent throughout the year." CBS SportsLine handicapper Bruce Marshall is a buyer on the Broncos. He likes Denver coach Sean Payton's history of getting quality play out of his backup quarterbacks going back to his days in New Orleans. “I think they've inflated this line too much," Marshall said. “This is not like a Super Bowl where it's very artificial the way the crowd is and all the hoopla. This is still like a regular game and it's in Denver, where they are very tough to beat. I think Denver's going to win this game and we'll see what happens in the Super Bowl.”