Patriots vs. Giants: X-Factors for Both Teams in Super Bowl XLVI

The following players could be X-factors for both the New England Patriots and New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI this Sunday from Indianapolis.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Julian Edelman

Not only does Edelman function as the Patriots' fourth receiver and return man, but he has also seen important snaps as an emergency cornerback. Against the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, Edelman played 27 snaps on offense and another 27 on defense, plus returning each punt and kick.

A guy that versatile is Bill Belichick's dream, but if he's forced to cover Victor Cruz in the slot for long stretches, the Patriots could be in trouble. That's asking a lot more from Edelman than he can handle, but it's obvious that Belichick and his staff have confidence in their Swiss army knife.   

James Ihedigbo

Ihedigbo is now starting to gain some footing at safety after an up-and-down regular season. But if you think the Giants aren't going to attack the Patriots vertically, especially after seeing the Ravens hit on some deep balls and just miss on some others, you're crazy.

New England needs Ihedigbo to be assignment sure, because Eli Manning and the Giants receivers will turn the mistakes they made in the AFC Championship Game into touchdowns.  

NEW YORK GIANTS

Will Blackmon

Neither team has made many big plays on special teams, and Blackmon is a part of that for the Giants—he currently doesn't have a return over 16 yards this season. If there were ever a time for him to break out, it'd be this week. Blackmon had returns for touchdowns with the Packers, so the talent is there.

Mathias Kiwanuka

Kiwanuka was arguably the Giants' best defensive player the first time these two teams met this season. In that November game, Kiwanuka had an interception and led the Giants in tackles with 12. While everyone talks about the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, Kiwanuka may be just as important on Sunday.

He might not replicate his stat line from earlier this season, but the Giants need Kiwanuka to be as active as he was in their 24-20 win.