Super Bowl 2012: Spread Info, Line, Odds and Predictions for Giants vs. Patriots

Super Bowl XLVI is expected to be a fantastic game, as the New England Patriots face the New York Giants in a rematch from Super Bowl XLII, as well as a rematch from earlier this season. The Giants won both of those games, which means the Patriots are definitely out for revenge. With two weeks off, both teams will be fully prepared to give it their all on Sunday. 

Several months ago, it was wondered if we would even have a Super Bowl this season. The NFL lockout had everyone worrying about the status of the football season, but thankfully, everything was worked out and no games were missed. 

The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting even of the year, and not having it would have been devastating.

As we saw throughout the year, anything can happen at a moment's notice. This season was filled with astonishing plays, big surprises and crazy comebacks, so the Super Bowl is bound to be just as unpredictable. 

The rematch between the Giants and the Patriots should be one for the ages, similar to the previous Super Bowl meeting.  

With that said, let's dig into some specifics of Super Bowl XLVI. 

When: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:29 p.m. ET 

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN 

Watch: NBC 

Spread

According to vegasinsider.com, the Patriots at favored at -3. This is a fair line because it's going to be a good game. 

Earlier this season, the Giants beat the Patriots by four points, winning in the closing seconds of the game. This time around, it should be another close matchup.

I'll take the Giants to spoil the fun and prevent the Patriots from covering. 

Over/Under 

According to vegasinsider.com, the over/under is set at 54.5, which does seem high. The total of their game from earlier this season was 44, and the total of Super Bowl XLII was only 31. 

Granted, the teams are much different from that Super Bowl, so the Week 9 matchup is better to go off of because Super Bowl XLVI should be very similar. 

That said, I'll take the over here, because both offenses are rolling right now and Tom Brady and Eli Manning are going to put on a show just like they have been all season long. 

New York Injury Report 

*According to CBSSports

RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot): Probable

WR Hakeem Nicks (shoulder): Questionable 

DE Osi Umenyiora (knee,ankle): Probable 

CB Corey Webster (hamstring): Questionable 

New England Injury Report 

*According to CBSSports

WR Deion Branch (knee): Questionable

WR Wes Welker (knee): Questionable

TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle): Questionable

LB Brandon Spikes (knee): Questionable

OT Sebastian Vollmer (back, foot): Questionable

OG Logan Mankins (knee): Questionable

Keys to New York Win 

The Giants have to get consistent pressure on Brady or else he could end up picking them apart. By attacking Brady and making him uncomfortable, the Patriots offense will falter.

Brady and the Patriots are capable of dropping 40-plus points on the Giants if New York doesn't show up on defense. Creating turnovers will also be a key for New York.

In addition to that, avoiding turnovers will be crucial for Manning and company. He's had his ups and downs this year, and he has to ensure this game isn't a bad one or his legacy will take a hit. 

Keys to New England Win 

The Patriots have to a do a stellar job of protecting the ball. Giving the Giants offense more opportunities to score will haunt them in the end, as the Patriots defense will be worked too much. 

Speaking of New England's defense, it has done a good job of stepping it up during the postseason, but during the year, they struggled a bunch.

With the time off, the defense must stay focused. Finding a way to slow down the skilled wideouts that the Giants have won't be easy, but it's something that has to be done. The Patriots offense will be able to score, which means that if they want to win the game, they've got to make big defensive stops.

Prediction 

Expect a phenomenal Super Bowl this Sunday that ends in great fashion once again. Back-and-forth scores from both teams will have fans on the edge of their seat the entire game.

In the end, it will be Tom Brady who leads the Patriots on a game-winning drive to win his fourth Super Bowl.

Patriots 30, Giants 28