Giants vs. Patriots: Studs Who Will Be Duds in Colossal Super Bowl Matchup

Both the New York Giants and New England Patriots have a considerable amount of elite players, which is to be expected with two teams who are vying for a Super Bowl win. While some of those players will shine on Sunday, others will inevitably fall short of expectations.

When you consider that both squads are fairly star-studded, it's impossible for everyone to contribute as much as they normally do. Here are three star players who won't live up to the hype on football's grandest stage.

WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)

Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks continued his development into a big-play pass catcher this season as he racked up nearly 1,200 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. On top of that, Nicks has two games with over 100 yards and two games with multiple touchdown catches during the postseason. I don't expect him to have that kind of success in the Super Bowl, though.

For one, Nicks was limited by a shoulder injury in the NFC Championship Game, so he may not be 100 percent.

Nicks didn't play against the Patriots during the regular season so it remains to be seen what he can do against their 31st-ranked pass defense. Because of Nicks' ability to get down the field, it might seem like he should have a monster game, but the Patriots will almost certainly commit extra defenders his way to ensure that no big plays are made.

TE Rob Gronkowski (NE)

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had perhaps the most dominant season a tight end has ever had in the NFL this year as he caught 90 passes for single-season tight end records of 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns. Because of his size, athletic ability and incredible catch radius, Gronk is a major mismatch as linebackers can hang with him and defensive backs are simply too small.

Gronkowski had over 100 yards and a score against the G-Men during the regular season, but there is plenty of doubt regarding how much Gronkowski will be able to contribute on Sunday.

He suffered a high ankle sprain while getting tackled by Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard in the AFC Championship Game. While Gronk is currently questionable, I would be shocked if he didn't play. Even so, he will likely be a decoy more than anything.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul (NYG)

The Giants were third in the league in sacks during the regular season, and the biggest reason for that was defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. The athletic freak was fourth in the NFL with 16.5 sacks in just his second season. Not only does he have the size to overpower opposing offensive linemen, but he also possesses the speed and quickness to get around them and into the quarterback's face.

Getting to quarterback Tom Brady was key in Big Blue's Super Bowl victory four years ago, so they will undoubtedly try to have a repeat performance.

JPP did have one of the two New York sacks on Brady during the regular season, so he will be a focal point for New England's blockers. With extra help likely being committed to consistent tackle Matt Light to contend with Pierre-Paul, generating a pass rush will be left to the other Giants' defensive linemen.