Super Bowl 2012: Where Giants vs. Patriots Ranks Among All-Time Worst

Due to the amount of build up before the Super Bowl, fans are led to believe each year's game is going to be the best one ever. The hype machine turns minor stories into majors ones, which often leads to the game becoming a huge disappointment.

Aside from the revenge factor of the New England Patriots getting payback for their loss to the New York Giants four years ago, this game lacks intrigue. Below are the three worst Super Bowls of all time, but don't be surprised if this year's clash cracks the top three after it's all said and done.

Super Bowl XLI: Colts defeat Bears

This game, which the Colts won 29-17, was a complete mess. Portions of it were played in a downpour and really lowered the level of play. It lacked the usual excitement involved with the most important football game of the year.

Aside from Devin Hester's opening kickoff return touchdown, it lacked memorable moments. Peyton Manning winning his first championship was the only major storyline, while the Bears lacked star power on offense to put up a fight.

The highlight of the evening was probably Prince's halftime show. That's when you know a Super Bowl simply wasn't any good.

Super Bowl XXXV: Ravens defeat Giants

Blowouts are never fun in Super Bowls, other than for the winning team and their fans. The Ravens won this game 34-7 and there was never a feeling that the Giants were going to make a run. What's more, it was supposed to be a close game, which made it all the worse.

It came down to a dominant Baltimore defense just overpowering the Giants. The game was in the bag by the third quarter, which probably caused parties to end early. There just wasn't anything about the game to keep the audience tuned in.

Maybe fans should have seen this snooze-fest coming. After all, the quarterback matchup was Trent Dilfer against Kerry Collins.

Super Bowl XXIV: 49ers defeat Broncos

Joe Montana's 49ers entered the game as huge favorites and could have been declared the winner in the second quarter. It was a complete destruction with a final score of 55-10. When there's such a lack of competitiveness, it's tough to consider a game great.

While San Francisco put on quite a show, the Super Bowl as a whole was a bust. It's a perfect example of why the previous Patriots-Giants meeting was so great. The Patriots were huge favorites, but got upset, which makes it impossible to forget. This game went the opposite way.

Hopefully, this season's game can live up to that high standard set in 2008, but don't hold your breath. The game has been overhyped and therefore the bust potential is high.