Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Why XLVI MVP Won't Be a QB

There is a rather solid chance that if the New England Patriots or New York Giants win the Super Bowl that Tom Brady or Eli Manning is going to earn the MVP award.

Both players have done it before and are both playing at an incredibly high level once again.

It isn't guaranteed (although, if I were a betting man, my money would certainly be on Brady if the Pats win). After all, one of Brady's receivers, Deion Branch, has won once. There are even many who believe that the Giants defensive line (or Justin Tuck, in particular) should have been given the award over Eli.

That same argument is certainly a possibility this time around as the Giants' defensive line is playing at an entirely different and tremendous level as well. In order for Big Blue to win, they'll have to have the defensive line destroying people.

What's more, Tom Brady has found himself chucking the rock to Rob Gronkowski in the red zone as often as the Pats are in the red zone. It certainly isn't out of the question for Brady to blow up the Gronk in the Bowl and help the young playmaker become the first tight end to win the award.

The 49ers and Ravens are two teams led by the defenses and, more importantly, their inside linebackers.

Ray Lewis won the award in 2000 when the Ravens embarrassed the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. He's not the same player he was then, but he's still capable of taking over a game.

Furthermore, two of his teammates—likely defensive player of the year Terrell Suggs and ballhawking safety Ed Reed—have to be considered favorites over the former MVP this time around.

We also cannot forget running back Ray Rice. The Ravens offense is infinitely better when feeding Rice the football and running backs have won the award seven times.

The 49ers are the definition of team football, but Patrick Willis is their most dominant and thrilling playmaker. Not only can he shut down the run, but he can rush the passer and make plays in coverage. He's the ultimate threat at the position, not unlike a young Ray Lewis, and would be the favorite should they win the Bowl.

Quarterback Alex Smith showed he can make throws with the game on the line and a quarterback is always a threat to win. It would certainly be a surprise with Frank Gore in the backfield, though.

There are four possible Super Bowl matchups, but only one (Giants vs. Patriots) truly favors a quarterback MVP run.

Always chuckin' the rock on Twitter too.