Giants vs. Patriots: Why Eli Manning Will Finally Get Some Headlines Tonight

While it's the New York Giants and quarterback Eli Manning that are playing in Sunday's Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, it's been older brother Peyton who has garnered more attention in the media this week. Reports are still swirling even on Super Sunday about the elder Manning's future both in the National Football League and with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Jesse Ventura in me actually thinks this may all have been intentional on Peyton's part, either in a selfish attempt to steal attention from his brother or a selfless attempt to deflect it so Eli can concentrate on planning for the game.

I think I may need to cut back on the Red Bull.

In any event, by the time the dust settles and the confetti falls at the conclusion of Super Bowl XLVI, it's likely that we'll blissfully and deservedly—if only temporarily—be able to shift our focus from the elder Manning to the younger.

You know, since he's playing in the Super Bowl and all.

Lost in the brouhaha surrounding the ridiculous statistics posted by the likes of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees this season was the fact that Eli quietly had arguably the best season of his eight-year career in 2011.

He threw for over 4,900 yards, posting the second-highest passer rating of his career, and guided the Giants on an improbable playoff run that now has them one victory away from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

If the Giants can accomplish that goal, and Eli is able to lead the Giants over the Patriots, securing his second Super Bowl ring (and possibly second Super Bowl MVP) then an interesting debate will emerge, one that at the very least is worth discussing.

Has Eli surpassed Peyton as king of Manning Mountain?

If the Giants falter, especially should it come as the result on an ill-timed interception (a sometime staple of Eli's game, although he's cut down on them of late) then the "choke-artist" jabs will once again start flying Eli's way. (Like it or not, it goes with being under center. Win and you're a hero; lose and it's all your fault.)

And it will be right back under the forehead's shadow for Eli.

I think the former is more likely than the latter and have predicted a Giants victory, but, regardless of the outcome, at least for a little while tonight Eli Manning will get some run.

Tomorrow? Back to Peyton watch '12 we go.