Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Eli Manning's Hype Will Die After Loss

When the New England Patriots beat the New York Giants in this year's Super Bowl—that's my prediction and I'm sticking to it—Eli Manning will return to his proper place as one of the league's best quarterbacks, but not yet worthy of cracking the elite tier of NFL passers.

That elite tier currently has three players and a caveat: Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees are the players, and the caveat is a healthy Peyton Manning.

But lose one season to injury as Peyton did this year, and already the question is being raised: If Eli Manning wins the Super Bowl, will he be considered a better player than his brother, Peyton?

I believe that answer should be no—winning one more Super Bowl than Peyton shouldn't override four MVP awards or nine straight postseason appearances—but many people will crown Eli as king of the Mannings.

Eli has thrown for over 30 touchdowns once in his career. Peyton has reached or eclipsed that mark six times. Eli's career high in completion percentage was 62.9 in 2010. Peyton's career completion percentage is 64.9. Eli set a career-high in passer rating of 92.9 this season. Peyton's career completion is 94.9.

Do I need to go on?

Eli Manning had a phenomenal 2011. Throwing for 4,933 and 29 touchdowns to only 16 interceptions isn't anything to sneeze at. There's no question that he's been clutch this year for the Giants.

And while he shouldn't be considered better than brother Peyton with a Super Bowl win, he will deserve a place in the exclusive and elite tier of quarterbacks.

The problem is, he and the Giants aren't going to win, and the Eli Manning love fest will slowly dissipate.

As brother Peyton can tell him, the NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league, and we're a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately society. Eli, you're the hottest ticket lately.

Lose to the Patriots, and you'll become old news quickly.

Hit me up on Twitter—that's where the magic happens.