Super Bowl 2012: New England Patriots' 5 Biggest X-Factors

The New England Patriots are looking for revenge against the New York Giants, as the two teams prepare for Super Bowl XLVI.

During the Week 9 visit to Foxborough, the Giants handed the Patriots a 24-20 loss.

The Giants also ended the Patriots perfect season just four years ago in the Super Bowl.

So who will be the difference makers for the Patriots? We all know Tom Brady will be key to the game. The offensive revolves around him.

Let's take a look at the Patriots as a whole and see which players are  key in their quest for another ring.

1. Matt Light

Matt Light has been protecting the blind side of Tom Brady for his entire career. He will be busy this weekend as he goes up against one of the best defensive lines in the league.

Light did a good job in Week 9 against the Giants. In fact,the whole offensive line did, only allowing two sacks for the game. Containing Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora for two games in a season is tough to do. However, this line, lead by Light on the left side, is one of the best.

The Giants defensive line is quick. They even call their front line the "NASCAR" defense because of their speed. They run stunts well and can beat you one-on-one.

Light will most likely be facing all three of the GIants' biggest pass-rushers at some point in the game. If Light is able to control them throughout the game, then give a big advantage to New England.

The Giants' secondary is weak. It has improved over the last month, but if Light can protect Brady's back and give him that extra second he needs, the secondary of the Giants will be exposed.

2. BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Green-Ellis only ran the ball 12 times during the Week 9 meeting. However, he was effective. He had 52 yards and averaged over four yards per carry.

A balanced offensive attack will be key for the Patriots. Green-Ellis is a hard downhill runner but is also very patient. Just when a defense thinks that it has all of the weapons shut down, Green-Ellis will break a big run.

If there was a flaw in the Patriots' offense, it's the fact that they abandon the run too quickly. Their quick pass game is almost like a run game for the Patriots. However, without the run, the Giants defensive line will be more apt to know what's coming and disrupt the pass.

Establishing the run will keep the Giants on their toes. Even if the run is not working, they need to stick with it. Any threat of running the ball will hold the Giants defensive line an extra split second, which could be pivotal.

3. Patrick Chung

Patrick Chung has not had the greatest of seasons. He only has one interception this season, which was cut in half due to injuries. This game will be the perfect opportunity for Chung to make a name for himself.

The Giants' receivers, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, are a threat for explosive plays. Chung will need to stay disciplined and alert when the Giants' offense is on the field.

Throughout his career, Manning has become better at looking off safeties to get his receivers on single coverage matchups. Chung will need to see the field and anticipate where Manning will go with the ball. Obviously, Chung can't cover both Cruz and Nicks, but taking away the deep threat will take away a big part of the Giants' game.

In most cases, teams would prefer that other teams take away the underneath routes instead of the long ball. The problem is that the Giants convert almost routinely on plays over 20 yards. Chung needs to identify when the deep ball is coming and provide the much needed help.

Chung also needs to take advantage of Manning's mistakes. Manning has cut down on his interceptions this year but still attempts throws that make Giants' fans cringe. He will make wild throws down the middle of the field while getting sacked or throw into double-coverage when it's better to take a sack.

During the NFC Conference Game, Manning made two throws like that. Neither were intercepted, which is what Chung will need to make sure doesn't happen. Chung and the Patriots' defense can count on Manning to make mistakes during the course of the game. They just need to take advantage of them.

Most of Manning's wild throws go down the middle of the field. Expect Chung to make the most of it and come away with an interception if presented the opportunity.

4. Deion Branch

Deion Branch is a former Super Bowl MVP, so we know he can get the job done in big games.

Expect the Giants to pay attention to the two tight ends, Gronkowski and Hernandez across the middle, along with Wes Welker. This should leave Branch with single-coverage throughout the game.

During the Week 9 meeting, Branch was just held to 21 yards on just two catches. This time around should be different. The inside game of the Patriots is expected to be key. However, expect the unexpected when it comes to the Patriots and Bill Belichick.

Branch will be part of the game plan and will be a favorite target of Brady during the game. Branch sneaks up on defenses and can be a deep threat.

He's also a third-down security blanket of the offense.

5. Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman has turned into a utility man for the Patriots. He plays all three sides of the ball with some regularity.

Along with Welker, Edelman returns punts. Just like every game, field position will be important. Edelman is elusive and is hard to bring down. A good return by him could set up an easy score for the Patriots' offense.

Offensively, Edleman will most likely be quiet. Expect him to see some action and maybe make a game-breaking play. His opportunities on offense may be rare but expect him to make the most of them.

The defensive side of the ball is where things get interesting. Belichick has used Edelman more frequently on defense. During the end of the AFC Championship Game last week, Edelman was covering Anquan Boldin. Boldin was Joe Flacco's main target during the last minutes.

Manning will notice Edelman on the field and test him early. If he's out there playing defense regularly, this could cause a problem for the Patriots. The Patriots need to be careful how much they use Edelman for defensive purposes or they will get burned.

Edelman will be interesting to watch this coming Sunday. He will be a key factor in whether or not the Patriots win their fourth Super Bowl in the last 12 years.