Super Bowl 2012: 5 Bold Predictions for NFL's Title Game

The 2012 Super Bowl is set, as the New York Giants and New England Patriots will replay their epic battle that took place four years ago.

In the two weeks before the Super Bowl tons of predictions will be made. Some will be bold, some won't be. But everyone is ready for the discussion to begin.

At the moment, the Patriots are favored. Will they be in two weeks? Who knows. There's reason to believe they won't be though.

Here's one of the first articles predicting what will take place in the 2012 Super Bowl.

The New York Giants Will Win Big

We all know New England's defense is a sieve. It has struggled all season, and it didn't do much to stop Joe Flacco. The Patriots will allow points. The question is whether they will score.

New York's pass rush is one of the best in the league that rarely even needs to blitz. Baltimore showed that the best way to control Tom Brady is by giving him the underneath pass. Unlike the Ravens, New York can do this and still provide pressure.

Tom Brady Will Throw for 250 Yards or Less

New York's pass rush is going to get to Tom Brady. Like any quarterback, Brady struggles when he's under pressure, but he can usually make defenses pay for blitzing. However, New York won't need to blitz.

The Giants have Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora at defensive end. This trio will get after Brady, and New York will still be able to drop plenty of defenders back in coverage. 

Also, don't overlook Antrel Rolle's significance playing out of the slot. He will severely curb Wes Welker's effectiveness. 

The Patriots Won't Score 30 Points

If the Patriots can't pass, what will they do to score? Sure, New England had some success running against Baltimore, but it wasn't enough to successfully carry the offense. 

Without Tom Brady tearing up secondaries, the Patriots offense is nothing. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is decent but nothing special. And New England's offensive line really isn't good enough to make the run game work.

Eli Manning Will Dominate

Because they can't cover or rush the passer, the Patriots will struggle to stop Eli Manning. The former No. 1 overall pick is capable of dominant performances, and there's not much reason to think New England can stop him.

With two great wide receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, Manning will be throwing to wide-open targets. If he has time to throw too, Manning will be poised, relaxed and at the top of his game.

Hakeem Nicks Won't Be Stopped

The Patriots struggle not just with covering but also with tackling. Receivers often gain far too many yards after the catch, and few wide receivers are better with the ball in their hands than Hakeem Nicks.

Nicks isn't anything exciting before he catches the ball, but once he does, he is dangerous. Nicks has criss-crossed all over the field several times in the playoffs on his way to the end zone. 

New England doesn't have any defensive backs that match up well with Nicks, and it won't be able to tackle him either.