From the outhouse to the penthouse, Victor Cruz has come a long way in his two-year NFL career.

Cruz was an undrafted free agent that was nothing more than a special team’s player that spent most of the season injured.

One year and 82 receptions for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns later and Cruz is one of the key X-factors in what will likely be the most televised Super Bowl in history.

With the matchups at hand, I think Cruz will follow in the steps of Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward and Deion Branch as a receiver to win the vaunted Super Bowl MVP award.

Why? Three reasons:

1. Hakeem Nicks Will Get the Double-Team Treatment

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Nicks established himself as the No. 1 receiver in New York with three outstanding games, which means he’ll be dealing with the double-teams downfield.

That can set up Cruz for an entire side of the field for himself. Ask the 49ers how that turned out.

2. Patriots Have the 31st-Ranked Pass Defense

It’s no secret the unit stinks, but do you really think the likes of Devin McCourty and Julian Edelman can keep up with the ridiculous speed of Cruz?

Not a chance.

Eli Manning will be looking to throw the deep ball to Cruz early and often. I expect them to connect on at least three passes of 20 or more yards in the air, which will allow Cruz to turn on the jets and burn the slow secondary for multiple scores.

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3. Eli on Fire

Manning is playing with the sort of confidence that a Super Bowl-winning quarterback should have. His ability to avoid the pass rush and still throw lasers down the field is something special and Cruz has been reaping the benefits.  

The chemistry between the two has been remarkable and there is no reason to think anything is going to suddenly change after 18 games.

Manning is sure to be a candidate, as will Nicks. But I think a few long and memorable plays that result in touchdowns is going to give Cruz the edge.

The Giants are going to win 27-24 and Cruz is going to reel in 130 yards, two TDs and one shiny Super Bowl MVP trophy.