Super Bowl Spread: 3 Things to Consider Before Making Your Pick

The Super Bowl is such a tough matchup to pick against the spread because the teams are almost always so even in terms of talent, and this year's game between the New England Patriots and New York Giants is no different.

Before making your pick against the spread, which right now is New England -2.5 (according to Betonline.com), there several things you must consider. These include aspects of the game that will affect the outcome and could have a huge role in how many points are scored.

Let's look at three things you must go over before making your Super Bowl XLVI pick against the spread.

Injuries

Injuries play a major role in the outcome of games on both sides of the ball, and there are a few injuries worth looking at on the Giants and Patriots.

The biggest injury you must monitor all the way to Super Bowl weekend is the status of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who's listed as questionable for the big game with an ankle sprain.

If Gronkowski is still banged up closer to the Super Bowl, the Patriots offense would really struggle, making the Giants a good pick against the spread.

Make sure you watch the key injuries leading up to Super Bowl Sunday because they have a major impact on the outcome.

Matchups

When deciding who to pick against the spread you must look at matchups. A team might be playing really well leading up to the Super Bowl, but how do they match up with their opponent?

The Patriots offensive line versus the Giants pass rush will be the matchup that decides this game, just like it did when the two teams met in Super Bowl XLII back in 2008.

The Patriots passing defense against the Giants trio of star wide receivers Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham will also be a matchup to watch.

You must consider the important matchups when breaking down this game.

What's at Stake?

Many players have a lot at stake during the Super Bowl, but some have much more on the line than others, and this year's game is one of those cases.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick can cement themselves as the best ever at their respective positions with a win in Super Bowl XLVI.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning can pass his brother Peyton in Super Bowls won and can launch himself into Hall of Fame discussion with another big win over the Patriots.

Determining which players will rise when the stakes are highest will help you make an accurate pick against the spread.