Super Bowl Odds 2012: What to Make of the Giants-Patriots Betting Line?

Right now BetVega.com has the Super Bowl XLVI point spread at -3.5 in favor of the New England Patriots and the over/under for the game is 55 total points.

That being said, what is the safer decision to make?

Well, let's break down each side of the ball to first get an idea of what's going to happen come Super Bowl Sunday.

Giants Offense vs. Patriots Defense

Although New England's defense is susceptible to the passing game, the Patriots have improved at stopping the run and getting pressure on the quarterback.

Here, New York must stick to having Eli Manning dish the rock around to his array of receivers and continue to trust his pass protection. If there's any weakness on New England, it's Bill Belichick's secondary.

The Giants also need to attack on the ground but mainly on the outside. Vince Wilfork can run stuff eight A-gap and if the run play takes time to develop, he can as wide as the B-gaps.

New York must also anticipate constant blitzing from New England because the best way to slow down an explosive offense is to attack. In addition, numerous press coverage and zone-coverage linebackers to limit the chance of a running back leaking out of the backfield.

It's a chess-match, however, it goes in favor of New York as its' more balanced and well-established this season.

Patriots Offense vs. Giants Defense

The part that cost New England Super Bowl XLII more than anything, the New York pass rush. Now, Tom Brady still has excellent protection and more reliable receivers.

Only Wes Welker resides from the 2007 team, while Deion Branch has since returned and Rob Gronkowski has taken the NFL by storm. The question in this game will be the success New England has in the running game.

New York's front four can dominate that aspect alone as well as getting pressure on Brady, so expect New England to come out firing. Much like the Pats defense, the Giants are vulnerable against the pass and Tom Brady must exploit that aspect early.

No one on New York can slow down Welker or Gronkowski in single coverage and Branch can beat man-to-man most of the time. Include Aaron Hernandez and the Giants have another set of problems.

Simply expect the Pats to attack as much as possible from the opening kickoff. The Giants have the better overall defense but New England has the better overall offense.

Both are equal but it's going to be which team starts fast that wins this game.

Point Spread

Take the Patriots against the -3.5 spread

Over/Under 55 Total Points

Take the over as Super Bowl XLVI will combine for 64 total points

John Rozum on Twitter