Super Bowl Spread: Easy Money Awaits People Betting on Underdog

It is clear that the Giants are going to win the Super Bowl, yet they are three-point underdogs (according to Bovada). This line is equal parts surprising and exciting. 

That is the nature of any line where they have the wrong team favored, and that is what we have here. If you don't believe me, just keep reading.  

Giants' Improved Defense

When these two teams met in Week 9, the Giants held the Patriots to 20 points. That is the second-lowest total the Patriots have posted all season. 

It is worth noting that that game was the third in a stretch of three that saw them post their lowest scores of the season. In other words, it is safe to assume that New England's offense will perform better for this one. 

However, the same can be said for the Giants defense. New York is playing their best defense of the season. They have not allowed more than 20 points in their last five games. 

At the heart of their defensive turnaround is an improved performance against the pass. The Giants finished the regular season ranked 29th in passing yards allowed. However, in their three playoff games, they have allowed just an average of 201 passing yards per game. 

This improved defense will be enough to slow down the Patriots. 

Dominant Receiving Corp

The Patriots defense has also made strides, but not to the degree of the Giants and not to the degree where they will be able to handle the Giants' dynamic receivers. 

With Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, the Giants have three receivers that are all capable of punishing the Patriots overmatched secondary. 

Last week, the less prolific trio of Ravens receivers—Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith and Lee Evans—combined to torch the Patriots for 12 catches, 202 yards and a touchdown. New York's receivers will have no problem besting those numbers. 

Gronkowski's Injury

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is going to be hobbled for this game. While you'd be hard-pressed to get him to admit that, it is inevitable after rolling an ankle as badly as he did in the AFC Championship game.  

Details of the severity of the injury are beginning to leak to light. Boston Herald reporter Ian Rapoport shared this news: 

Gronkowski being less than 100 percent for this game is going to be a killer for the Patriots. He is Brady's favorite red-zone weapon, and he and fellow TE Aaron Hernandez combine to make the two TE sets of the Patriots their most effective. 

With a bum ankle, the Giants will not have to commit as much defensive attention to Gronkowski, and that will free them up to stop other aspects of their offense.