Super Bowl 2012: Why New York Giants Will Pull an Upset

Is it really an upset if the New York Giants knock off the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI?

Statistically, the Pats are currently three-point favorites, so technically it would be an upset.

But the Giants have knocked off the Patriots in each of their last two meetings—including this year—and Big Blue's schedule was much more difficult than the Patriots' down the stretch.

Even though New England finished the year with an impressive 13-3 record, the Giants, who had to win their final game of the season just to qualify for the playoffs, were no less dangerous.

These two teams are back in the biggest game of the year only four years after one of the most exciting fourth quarters of a football game ever.

There was no mistaking the Giants pulled an upset over the Patriots that year, but this year, a win wouldn't be nearly as shocking.

As every game against Tom Brady goes, the Giants have to find a way to put the quarterback on his back early and often.

Big Blue knows they only have to be in the game to give Eli Manning a shot with the clock running down. Eli already out-Bradied Brady once this season, and there's no denying who the most clutch quarterback in the league was this year.

Eli won't have to deal with the same disruptive front that Brady will, and that will be the biggest difference.

Brady is one of the best ever, and in his fifth Super Bowl appearance, will give his team a chance, but the same problem the Pats had in Super Bowl XLII will be the same problem they have in XLVI.

The Giants will pull the "upset" because Tom Brady will be harassed all game long.