Super Bowl Point Spread: Why New York Giants Should Be Odds-On Favorite

Looking at the newspaper this morning, the line still reads that the New England Patriots are a three-point favorite in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants.

Don't tell that to the Giants players, the staff or the fans. Or to be honest, the NFL, which is headquartered in the Big Apple. The Giants are for real, and in many a mind, they should be the odds-on favorite to claim a fourth Lombardi Trophy.

There are so many great things about this Super Bowl and its drama and possible record-breaking day by two outstanding offenses. But there are also components to this matchup that many a fan may overlook, and therefore the game tends to be an even matchup more so than a shift toward the AFC Champions.

Here are some reasons why despite the points spread and what oddsmakers in Las Vegas think, this game should go the way of the "G Men."

Right Now, Both Quarterbacks Are Playing at Equal Speed

I say this for a number of reasons. While Tom Brady had an "off" game against the Ravens, Eli Manning has been playing at a higher level for himself in the past three games.

Brady threw for over 5,000 yards this year; Manning threw for just under 5,000 yards. Manning may be be playing slightly better right now.

Brady is a master of the playoffs; Manning has never lost a Super Bowl.

Yes, this is dead even.

If It Comes Down to a Field Goal, Tynes Is the Man to Make the Kick

Lawrence Tynes may be as clutch as they come.

He hit the game winner in the rain, in overtime, in San Francisco, in the NFC Championship Game.

And this is not the first time he has done that to win a clutch game.

Stephen Gostkowski is a great kicker, but can he make it when the game is on the line on the NFL's greatest stage?

Give the edge to Tynes.

Better Running Game

While both teams do not use the run as much as others (Baltimore and San Francisco rely on it and both lost their division championship games), the run game will still be crucial to the success of the winning team.

The Patriots go with a steady diet of BenJarvus Green-Ellis with a hint of Stevan Ridley and Danny Whitehead for good measure.

The Giants are built for the playoffs, with a steady dose of Eli Manning that is set up by the running game of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Both hit the hole and punish defenders as they come through the line.

Which one do you see doing more damage?

The Pressure Is on New England, Not New York

The Giants beat the Patriots once in a Super Bowl. They also beat them once this regular season.

The Patriots have to prove they can get the monkey of their backs.

While winning 16 regular-season games in 2007 was great and being the dominant team in the AFC this season was good for home-field advantage, they have not completed their tasks at hand.

Winning playoff games are one thing. Winning a Super Bowl is another.

You have to win the big game to be considered elite. Right now, New England and the Giants are even in that category.

Is This the New Yankees/Red Sox Rivalry?

It sure seems that way.

New York vs. Boston—truly evenly-matched teams that have everything to gain and everything to lose.

An offense is slightly better than a defense. One running game appears to be supremely better than the other. And coaches who seem to be on par with the greats of the game.

Sounds a lot like a seven-game series in the Bronx or Beantown.

It's Coughlin's Time

While both men need to win this game to solidify their place in NFL lore, Tom Coughlin, at 66, needs this game more than "Captain Hoodie" for a few reasons.

Two months ago, he was being kicked out of town by the media. His team caught fire and are now the darlings of the NFL.

He may go out on top as one of the best ever. And he also would have beaten arguably the best head coach in the NFL since 2000. Twice.

Regardless of whether Bill Belichick wins this Super Bowl, he has punched his ticket to Canton. With the win, Coughlin can punch his as well.

The Giants Are the Packers of This Year

And that is a good thing.

They have momentum on their side. They have a confident quarterback. They have top-flight receivers and they have a defense that is playing its best ball right now.

If Eli Manning continues his play, especially in the fourth quarter, this could be one for the ages (sorry, Jim Nantz).

All those components mean something when playing football. This time, it means an NFL Championship.

Defense Wins Championships

I know the the scoring in this league states otherwise, but I am still old school on this one.

The defense wins you a Super Bowl. An offense gets you there and lets you have some fun.

Vince Wilfork and Andre Carter can play inside and out and put pressure on the passer, but they are not as intimidating as Jason Tuck, Chris Canty, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul.

The Patriots will have to have a supreme effort from their offensive line to avoid continual pass rush during the game.