Just days after an NFL rule change that permitting team partnerships with state lotteries, the New England Patriots announce they’ll team up with the Massachusetts State Lottery to offer a Pats-themed scratch ticket.  Previous sports-themed games with the Celtics and Red Sox generated $740 million in sales for the Mass Lottery.  Officials hope the new instant game will be available before the start of the 2009 football season.  The Washington Redskins will be the second NFL team to partner with a local lottery; the Baltimore Ravens are also considering such a partnership.  For more, click here.