Super Bowl Predictions 2012: 5 Dark-Horse Picks for Super Bowl MVP

When the New England Patriots and New York Giants kick off Super Bowl XLVI, most of the attention will be on Tom Brady and Eli Manning.

The quarterbacks are always in the spotlight, and more often than not, one of them is named the game's MVP.

During the Super Bowl's 45-year history, a quarterback has been named the game's most valuable player 24 times. 

That kind of dominance by one position makes Manning and Brady the front-runners for Super Bowl XLVI MVP, even before the game begins.

However, if the two quarterbacks don't play at an MVP-level, here are five dark horse picks for Super Bowl MVP.

5. Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End, New York Giants

If the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl, it's a virtual certainty that the Giants' front four had something to do with it.

New York's ability to get pressure with their defensive linemen has been well-chronicled. It's also important to note that much of that success up front is due to the play of Pierre-Paul.

Pierre-Paul's presence on the outside and his ability to force quarterbacks to step up in the pocket are what drives that Giants' pass rush. He might not get the sack every time, but there's a strong likelihood he played a role in making the opposing QB uncomfortable in the pocket. Just ask Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith.

I'll be surprised if it happens, but if the Giants defense stifles Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, Pierre-Paul may be the reason why.

Pierre-Paul would be just the fourth defensive lineman to win the Super Bowl MVP.    

4. Wes Welker, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

Welker has had a quiet postseason thus far. In two games, he has caught just 12 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. 

Still, he has the ability to make big plays in bunches, and before you you know it, he has nine catches for 138 yards. That was Welker's stat line the first time these two teams played.

The Giants will have to decide which Patriots weapon they want to take away. If it's Rob Gronkowski, look for Welker to have a solid Super Bowl. 

3. Hakeem Nicks, Wide Receiver, New York Giants

Nicks has been exceptional this postseason, showing off his big-play ability on several occasions.

One could argue that Nicks has been the second most valuable Giants player behind Manning.

Nicks has 18 catches for 335 yards and four touchdowns in the playoffs. Nicks is also the main reason Victor Cruz is so wide open out of the slot. Defenses are focusing so much on Nicks that Cruz is running free.

The Patriots defense has improved, but how much is still to be determined. New England hasn't exactly faced the the league's top quarterbacks recently. In fact, the last good quarterback they faced was Eli Manning in Week 9. Manning beat the Patriots that day.

Surprisingly, the Giants were without Nicks that game, and they still won.

Nicks will definitely play this game, and the Patriots will find out just how good he really is.

2. Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, New England Patriots

Gronkowski is nursing a fairly serious ankle injury but should be to play in the Super Bowl. 

Gronkowski has been spectacular this postseason, tallying 232 receiving yards and scoring three touchdowns.

The Patriots are masters at exploiting mismatches, so look for Gronkowski to have his way with the Giants defense.

During the Patriots' regular-season matchup with the Giants, Gronkowski hauled in eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.  

Even at less than full strength, Grownkowski will be one of the best players on the field on Super Bowl Sunday.

1. Victor Cruz, Wide Receiver, New York Giants

Cruz is a tough matchup out of the slot for the Patriots. Cruz has emerged as Manning's go-to guy and finished the regular season with more than 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns.

Cruz had been quiet during the postseason until he erupted with 10 catches and 142 yards against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.

Cruz should find plenty of opening in the Patriots defense that allowed nearly 300 yards passing during the season.