Giants vs. Patriots Predictions: Suprise Players Who Will Show Up Big

The Big Game is slated for Feb. 5, and features the Giants and Patriots in a rematch of the 2008 thriller. 

There are the usual names that are always mentioned: Eli Manning, Tom Brady, Victor Cruz and the likes of them. But there are always a few names that pop up out of nowhere. Someone has a big game on the biggest stage when their team needs it.

For the Giants in 2008, the name was David Tyree. For this year, I'll predict the small names who will make big or significant plays this Super Bowl.

Mario Manningham

Sure, you've heard the names Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz called a lot, but don't forget this guy named Manningham.

The stats for the regular season look sort of bland. Yeah, he catches a touchdown here and there with some decent yardage, but Manningham doesn't really stand out.

Then you scroll down and look at his postseason stats; what he lacks in monstrous production he makes up for in consistency.

Manningham has scored a touchdown in all of his postseason games, including a very important one versus the 49ers. Since they were the toughest defense he will have faced, I would not be surprised to see him catch a touchdown or two in the Super Bowl.

Oh, and his name is also MANNINGham. I can't see this QB-WR connection faltering one bit. 

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

It must be hard to be the running back for a New England team that is predicated around the pass. When you have Brady, all you really need is a running back who can trick the defense a lot.

Well, Green-Ellis is just that man.

When the defenses think they have Brady figured out, BAM. Green-Ellis splits one up the middle for a first down. His stats aren't that bad, considering the offense he plays in.

While he is used primarily in short-yardage or goal-line situations, don't overlook him. Like I said before, he can be used to trick a defense focused on the pass. It is not hard to see this guy having some big plays that could decide the outcome of this game. 

Mathias Kiwanuka

Sure, his name might be hard to pronounce, but get used to it, because you could be hearing it a lot from the commentators.

Kiwanuka is the hidden gem of this defense due to him being overshadowed by Jason Pierre-Paul and Antrel Rolle. While he isn't the least-known guy, he deserves a lot more attention than he gets.

Kiwanuka has 84 total tackles and leads the team in tackles for a loss with 12. Since he is a linebacker, he will need to get sufficient pressure on Brady to disrupt the fast-paced, explosive Patriots offense. If there is one guy who could surprise everyone and do this, it is Kiwanuka.

Rob Ninkovich

When the eight players of the Patriots were announced for the Pro Bowl, Ninkovich barely missed the cut. Though it is hard to stand out when you are on the same side of the ball as Kyle Arrington, Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo.

Ninkovich has a very respectable 74 tackles and 6.5 sacks—not bad at all for a linebacker. The big stat I am focusing on is the sacks. His total is good for third on the team and has produced 54 yards lost on sacks. If a linebacker can penetrate that well, it will create a nightmare for an offense.

If the Patriots are looking to get pressure on Manning, they need to do it fast and early. Make him uncomfortable and send the guys after him. I have a feeling that Ninkovich could be this weapon for the Pats. 

While it may seem like I am guessing as to who has a good game, I am looking at each player's performance in both the regular and postseason. Of course, these are just predictions, so we will have to wait until Feb. 5 to see who pulls through.