Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Final Score, Stat and Star Predictions for Champion

Final Score: New England Patriots 30, New York Giants 27

This is going to be a very exciting and closely contested Super Bowl matchup. Both teams are playing at a very high level and getting contributions from several different players. Tom Brady and Eli Manning both do a great job in pressure situations.

There are a handful of very intriguing matchups in this game. We have the shaky New England secondary matched up against the explosive wide receivers of the New York Giants. Guys like Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham have an opportunity to change the outcome of this game.

On the other side, tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez put a lot of pressure on the opposing defense. They are too quick to be covered by linebackers and too big to be covered by safeties. Both coaching staffs will have a difficult time game planning against these matchups.

Stat prediction: Eli Manning 325 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception

Eli Manning proved this season that he's worthy to be included in the discussion of elite quarterbacks. He led this team to a Super Bowl appearance despite a leaky offensive line, inconsistent play from the defense and injuries to several offensive weapons.

His ability to make those around him better really showed how good he truly is. Manning will continue his strong season on Sunday and do a good job attacking this New England Patriots defense.

Stat prediction: Tom Brady 305 passing yards, three touchdowns and a fumble

The New England Patriots know that Tom Brady is the key to their success. However, they are also aware that the Giants pass rush can cause a lot of problems.

Expect to see more called running plays than usual. This will have an impact on Brady's overall stat total, but he still will find a way to top the 300-yard mark.

Stat prediction: Rob Gronkowski six catches, 56 receiving yards and one touchdown

New England's star tight end Rob Gronkowski spent this past week trying to recover from an ankle injury. At this point, his status is still in question, but I don't see a scenario where he doesn't take the field. Gronkowski won't have eye-popping numbers but still will find a way into the end zone.

Stat prediction: Victor Cruz eight catches, 110 receiving yards and one touchdown

Victor Cruz is going to cause the New England Patriots a lot of problems. They don't have a single defender capable of lining up in the slot and neutralizing the speedy receiver. Throughout the year, Cruz showed that he can make plays deep down the field and over the middle.

If the Giants pull out a victory, don't be surprised if Cruz is named Super Bowl MVP.

Stat prediction: Jason Pierre-Paul two sacks and one forced fumble

The Giants know the best way to slow down the patriots offense is by putting pressure on Tom Brady. New York's top pass rushing threat is Jason Pierre-Paul, who absolutely will make his presence felt. He's going to utilize his quickness to attack the edge and pressure Brady.

Key Stat prediction: Rushing yards—New England Patriots 96, New York Giants 77

This game may very well come down to which team is capable of establishing a running game. The patriots need the running game to keep New York's pass rushers competing yards back and getting up the field. New York needs both Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to be productive so they can utilize play action passes. It would also help keep Brady and the explosive New England offense off the field.

Vince Wilfork and the rest of the patriots defensive line is playing at a high level. Last week they were able to shut down Ray Rice, which means they are capable of stopping New York's rushing attack.