The New England Patriots, who failed to make the National Football League playoffs this season, are favored to win the Super Bowl next year by Las Vegas oddsmakers.

With the probable return of former Most Valuable Player Tom Brady at quarterback after a knee injury sidelined him for most of the season, the Pats are 6-1 favorites to win the NFL championship on Feb. 7, 2010, according to Las Vegas Sports Consultants, which advises casinos on betting lines. The team was undefeated last season until losing the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.

“The Patriots coming into this year were overwhelming favorites based on what they did last year,” said Mike Seba, Sports Consultants’ senior oddsmaker. “They’re going to have pretty much the same team as long as Brady comes back.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who are 6½-point favorites against the Arizona Cardinals in the Feb. 1 Super Bowl, are second to New England for next year’s game at 7-1. The Giants and Indianapolis Colts are 8-1.

The Dallas Cowboys have 9-1 odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl.