Super Bowl 2012: Kickoff Time and Predictions for Giants vs. Patriots

The New England Patriots and New York Giants will kick off Super Bowl XLVI tonight in Indianapolis in one of the most legacy-heavy championship games in the history of the league.

Every Super Bowl has its storylines, heroes and legends, but this particular game has a chance to legitimately change the way we look upon and remember some its biggest names.

Tom Brady and Eli Manning. Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin. Patriots and Giants.

One of these two storied franchises will win their fourth ever Super Bowl tonight and it all starts with yet another odd kickoff time.

At 6:29 p.m. EST on NBC, Super Bowl XLVI will get underway.

What happens after that is anyone's guess.

Predictions

The Giants Will Look To Run Before They Pass

Even when they have little success, the Giants lean on their running game.

The effect is not for total yardage, but more so to keep the opposing defense honest. This postseason they've run the ball an average of 28 times per game.

Of the 12 teams in the postseason, the Giants have run the ball more than any other team. Their rushing yardage per game, however, is only the seventh highest.

Even with minimal success, Big Blue is hellbent on running the ball. Don't expect that to change.

Tom Brady Will Be Sacked at Least Four Times and Throw Two Interceptions

Bill Belichick will devise a way to keep Brady upright for as long as possible in this game. Unfortunately, if left in a one-on-one situation (which is bound to happen), the Giants' top three pass-rushers will beat anyone on the Patriots offensive line.

We know the two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback can get frustrated at times and that will be the Giants' key in this game. When they're not sacking him, they will still be hitting him on nearly every pass attempt.

Belichick is the game's best halftime adjuster, but the Giants will also have a few tricks up their sleeve to counter defensively.

The outcome of this game is directly tied to the amount of time Tom Brady spends on his feet and on his back.

The MVP Will Be A Quarterback

If the Giants don't find a way to hit Brady, he'll lead his Patriots team up and down the field against a secondary that benefits from increased pass rush in the most important games of the season.

If Brady is getting beat up then Eli will be in line for his second MVP. The Pats secondary is too shaky and Eli too good for him not to produce. Whether it happens throughout the game or just in clutch moments, a Giants win will be noted with another Eli MVP.

Prediction: Giants 27, Patriots 20