Super Bowl XLVI: Preview, Odds and Predictions for Giants vs. Patriots

Super Bowl XLVI is right around the corner, as the New York Giants and New England Patriots will square off in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

In the playoffs, the Giants beat the Falcons 24-2, the Packers 37-20 and the 49ers 20-17 to win the NFC championship. To win the AFC championship, the Patriots beat the Broncos 45-10 and the Ravens 23-20. 

This is a rematch of earlier in the regular season, a 24-20 Giants win. That was the last game the Patriots lost this year. It is also a rematch of Super Bowl XLII, which the Giants won, 17-14. 

Where: Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Ind.

When: Sunday, Feb. 5 at 6:29 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Betting Line

Patriots (-3), according to Bodava. 

If regular season meetings meant anything in the playoffs, we wouldn't be here. Either the Packers or 49ers would have beaten the Giants, and New York would not have won Super Bowl XLII. 

The Patriots have too many weapons on offense to offset the Giants defense. The Giants will score plenty, but I like New England to win and cover. 

Over/Under

54, according to Bodava.

The over is mighty inviting in this one. During the regular season, the Patriots were 15th in the NFL in scoring defense, while the Giants were 25th. On the other side of the ball, the New England had the third-highest scoring offense in the league, while New York was ninth. 

Both offenses are also playing a lot better than they were when they met earlier in the season. On top of all of that, this game is in a dome. Go with the over. 

Giants Injury Report

Per USA Today.

LB Mark Herzlich (ankle) is questionable.

RB Da'Rel Scott (knee) is questionable. 

LB Chase Blackburn (shoulder) is probable.

LB Jacquian Williams (foot) is probable.

Patriots Injury Report

Per USA Today.

RB Shane Vereen (hamstring) is questionable.

T Sebastian Vollmer (back) is probable.

WR Chad Ochocinco (personal) is probable.

CB Kyle Arrington (eye) is probable.

TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle) is probable.

WR Deion Branch (knee) is probable.

Keys to Giants Win

The Giants have to run well, especially on first down. If they do that and have short-yardage needs on second and third down, Eli Manning will be able to get vertical on New England's defense, which was 31st in the NFL during the regular season. 

Keys to Patriots Win

Early in the game, the Patriots have to run it, and use short passes. That will get the Giants pass rush out of Tom Brady's face. If that happens, they will have to lay back later, which will set up the deep ball.

If New York's pass rush is neutralized, the Patriots will win.

Prediction: Patriots 34, Giants 27

We'll see a lot of points in this game, but the Patriots have the slight edge at quarterback, and their offensive weapons will minimize New York's defense. 

The Patriots are red-hot now, and despite a poor game from Brady, moved the ball well against the Ravens. Their overall offense will be the difference in a classic matchup.

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