Patriots vs. Giants: Spread Info, Line and Predictions for Super Bowl XLVI

It is only fitting that the New England Patriots and Tom Brady's shot at a fourth Super Bowl comes against the New York Giants.

Four years ago, Big Blue denied Brady, Bill Belichick and the Pats of that fourth ring and a perfect season with their upset for the ages.

Now the Giants have the opportunity to prove that game wasn't a once-in-a-million miracle and the Patriots have a chance at revenge.

This game doesn't have perfection on the line, but it couldn't be a more perfect Super Bowl matchup.

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana

When: Sunday, Feb. 5 - 6:35 p.m. EST

Watch: NBC

Betting Line (according to Sportsbook): Patriots (-3)

The Pats lost to the Giants earlier this season in Foxborough. Now, on a neutral field, their high-scoring offense earns them a three-point advantage over Big Blue.

It is a just line, but playing it simply comes down to who you think will win.

The Giants have covered the spread in five straight games but have also won five straight games. The Patriots have won 10 straight games but are 3-3 against the spread in their last six games.

Either the Giants win outright or the Patriots win and cover.

Over/Under: 55.5

New England has set the bar for high-scoring affairs, but the Giants have played to the under in four of their last five games.

The Patriots have gone over in four of their last five with the lone under coming against the Baltimore Ravens the divisional round.

These two teams have played to the under with one another before and will do so again.

Keys to Patriots Win

New England has to protect Tom Brady. Unlike Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith, Brady can't escape the pocket when the Giants' front line finds their way in.

The Patriots have to find a way to neutralize the Giants' pass rush. Brady can pick apart Big Blue's secondary, but he needs the time to do it. 

Defensively they have to do much of the same. Eli Manning is too good to be left alone in the pocket, and Belichick has to find a way to dial up pressure and force Eli to make bad throws.

Keys to Giants Win

Keeping Tom Brady off the field and hitting Tom Brady when he's on the field will be the Giants' theme.

New York knows its secondary will be in trouble against the Patriots' tight ends if they don't hit Brady. Their defensive game plan will be the same as always.

Offensively, they need to keep moving the chains. Whether it be through the air or on the ground, the Giants are going to want to have big, long drives that wear down the Pats' defense while keeping Brady on the sidelines.

Prediction: Giants 27, Patriots 20