Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Why Tom Brady Will Win Third Super Bowl MVP Award

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is the NFL's reigning MVP, and while he won't repeat his win this year, I think he'll take home his third Super Bowl MVP Award instead. And I think Brady would be perfectly fine with that trade-off.

Brady had a phenomenal year in 2011. He completed 65.6 percent of his passes for a career-high 5,235 yards, with 39 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 105.6 ranked third in the NFL. He led an offense that ranked second in the NFL in total yards (428 yards per game) and second in passing yards per game (317.8). 

The 34-year-old quarterback has a ton of weapons around him, and that has helped to elevate his game. Receiver Wes Welker led the NFL in receptions (122) and was second in receiving yards (1,569) while scoring nine touchdowns. Rob Gronkowski was also excellent, as he finished second among all tight ends in receptions (90), led them in yards (1,327) and set the single-season NFL record for touchdowns in a season with 17.

Meanwhile, wideout Deion Branch and tight end Aaron Hernandez were also solid this year. Branch finished with 51 catches for 702 yards and five touchdowns, while Hernandez had 79 receptions for 910 yards and seven scores. 

Against a New York Giants team that ranked 27th in the NFL in total defense (376.4 yards per game) and 29th in pass defense (255.1 yards per game), the Patriots should be able to rack up yards. 

Brady should be able to put up big numbers in Super Bowl XLVI, and if he does, New England will likely come away with another title and the team's quarterback will get once again be the Super Bowl MVP.