Super Bowl Odds 2012: Why the Smart Money Is on the New England Patriots

The New England Patriots opened as three-point favorites to win Super Bowl XLVI over the New York Giants and if you can score a bet with that line right now, you should definitely go for it. 

The Patriots have won 10 straight games and have one of the best quarterbacks to ever lace them up under center in Tom Brady. Their defense has shown steady improvement after a horrible start to the season and they might be as good offensively as they have been during head coach Bill Belichick's tenure. 

New England finished the regular season ranked second in the NFL in total offense, averaging 428 yards per game. The Patriots also finished second in passing offense, with an average of 317.8 yards per game. 

Conversely, the Giants ranked 27th in the league in total defense, allowing 376.4 yards per game. New York also finished the regular season ranked 29th against the pass, allowing a whopping 255.1 yards per game. 

The Giants have a leaky secondary despite racking up 48 sacks during the regular season, which ranked third in the league. New York's defensive line is outstanding, and has already posted nine more sacks during the postseason. That said, the Patriots have a stellar offensive line that allowed just 32 sacks during the regular season.

The Patriots have simply been too good offensively to be shut down by a Giants team that has struggled against the pass this season. The Patriots are going to win Super Bowl XLVI, and right now you can place a bet on them to win by just three points. I think they'll win by at least seven, so get in on that action now.