NFL Fact or Fiction: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI

Looking into a future Week 9 matchup between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, one can honestly say it isn't exactly foreshadowing Super Bowl XLVI.

So no, you won't get a rematch of Super Bowl XLII.

The Giants have battled injuries and went through their own tough times, but somehow, they have emerged 4-2 and in first in the NFC East.

The Patriots, on the other hand, are taking care of regular season business like they always do and have a comfortable lead in the AFC East at 5-1.

Despite the good start by both teams, a Super Bowl involving both the Giants and the Patriots won't happen. Chances are slim at best, and with the weaknesses each team possesses, it'll be tough to overcome the odds of this one.

So here are the facts about the Giants and Patriots chances to not only make the playoffs, but get to the Super Bowl as well.

Fact: Tom Brady Is the Best Quarterback in the AFC

Now before you shoot me, I put specifically "in the AFC" because I think Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL right now.

But I digress.

Brady gives the Patriots a huge advantage with his immense experience, talent and success. Brady has achieved much already and is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks ever to step on the field.

If there is one thing that gives any team in the NFL a chance at a Super Bowl, it's having a great quarterback.

And the Patriots are stacked in that department.

Fiction: Eli Manning Can Lead the Giants to a Super Bowl

Eli Manning is having a good season for New York. Manning has completed almost 64 percent of his passes this season, with 11 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His 1,778 yards are good for fifth best in the NFL.

Keep your eye on the interceptions, as Manning has become infamous for throwing the ball to the wrong team. If the Giants can't get their rushing attack going, expect Manning to throw the ball more, and that means more chances to throw picks. The touchdown to interception ratio could even out real quick if he isn't careful.

When the Giants have been at their best, Manning has been simply a flawless compliment to the Giants defense and rushing attack.

With both of those parts struggling for the G-Men, Manning will have to carry the Giants on his back if they want to make it to the Super Bowl.

I'll have to see that to believe it.

Fact: Patriots Pass Defense Makes Then Vulnerable

On the surface, the Patriots are 5-1, and with a record like that, it would seem everything is okay.

Beneath the surface, the Patriots are hiding the worst pass defense in the NFL.

The Pats are allowing a stunning 322 yards per game through the air. You can get away with that playing teams like the Dolphins, but when it comes to the playoffs, the Pats will be up against some of the best passing attacks in football.

Without a No. 1 cornerback, it isn't likely to get better. If you want to know how important it is to have a shutdown corner, just ask Bill Belichick.

Fact: Giants Defense Is Hurt by Injuries

The Giants have several issues, one of them being injuries. The G-Men have been battling injuries since the first snap of the preseason, and it continues to this day.

It started with Prince Amukamara's foot injury that was a major blow to the Giants' secondary. Another big blow to the defense has been Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora's injuries that have greatly weakened the Giants defensive line. Both have started a combined total of five games in 2011.

As a result, the Giants are allowing 127.7 yards per game on the ground this year, which is good for 25th in the NFL.

The Giants defense is also allowing 24 points per game, which is ranked 23rd in the league. If you look at the games they've played this year, you can see the Giants haven't exactly played offensive juggernauts their first six games.

Scary to think what will happen if the Giants have a playoff match up against some of the best offensive teams in this league like the Packers or Saints. It won't be an easy time for Big Blue.

Fact: Patriots Have a Super Bowl Offense

The New England Patriots have the best offense in football. Not only is their pass game ranked first in the NFL, their rushing attack in ninth in the league.

Brady has endless weapons to throw to, mainly Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Deion Branch. If Chad Ochocinco could ever get it going, it would only add to the scary possibilities of the Pats offense.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis is on his way to a 1,000-yard season, giving the Pats a credible and effective ground game to go with their top pass offense.

The Pats have the ability to outscore teams with little defense needed. Defense is of course the Patriots' main concern, but with an offense like theirs, it doesn't seem so bad.

Fiction: Giants Can Win with Their Rushing Attack

The Giants rushing attack, behind new starter Ahmad Bradshaw, has been bad this season.

The Giants find themselves ranked 26th in the league running the ball, a ranking that is normally much higher for the G-Men. Brandon Jacobs' injury certainly won't help, but even when he's been on the field, the Giants haven't run the ball well.

New York has been used to having a strong rushing attack, but it seems not having the third option in the back field has hindered it.

Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are nice compliments to a better running back respectively, but as feature backs? I think both fall short.

So unless the Giants find that third guy, don't expect either Bradshaw or Jacobs to put them on their backs to a Super Bowl.

History has shown the Giants are at their best when they can run the ball.

Fiction: Giants Offensive Line Can Compete with Best Defenses

You can blame it on their backs for a lack of running game all you want, but a good rushing attack starts with the offensive line. Several times this season, the Giants O-line has let them down. It's clear to any observer that the Giants offensive line is getting pushed backwards on a regular basis.

That won't do them any good against playoff teams with good defenses.

The Giants have one of the worst running games in all of football, something they are not accustomed to.

After having what's considered long-term stability in the life of an offensive, the Giants have been battling injuries and inconsistency there as well.

Fact: The Patriots Have a Better Chance to Make the Super Bowl Than the Giants

The fact that the Patriots have Tom Brady gives them a better chance to make it to the Super Bowl than the Giants.

With comparable defenses, the Patriots have the edge in offense, quarterback, rushing attack and even coach over the Giants.

You can certainly make the case that the Patriots are one of the best, if not the best team in the AFC. You can't say the same about the Giants in the NFC.

Both teams have their fair share of holes and problems to solve, but the Giants issues are far worse than those of the Patriots.

And did I mention they have Tom Brady?

All that being said, with a gun to your head, you'd choose the Pats.

Prediction to Become Fact: Giants Won't Make the Playoffs

The Giants won't make it to the playoffs this year.

That would squash this whole scenario real quick.

The Giants will have too many issues to overcome and could give way to one of the other three teams in their division.

The G-Men have four divisional games left, none of which will be pushovers in a competitive division. The Giants still have games left with the Saints, 49ers, Patriots and Jets, so it definitely won't be an easy path.

The Giants' injuries will be too damaging against some of the good offenses they have left to face this season.

Not to mention their issues running the ball will make Eli Manning's job much harder and put him in a position to carry his team.

If that's the case, the Giants won't be making the playoffs this year.

Prediction to Become Fact: Patriots Will Lose in AFC Championship

The Patriots' fortunes will be slightly better than the Giants this year, as New England will go on to win their division and earn a bye in the playoffs.

They will have no problem disposing of their divisional round game and getting to the AFC Championship Game.

It's there that the Patriots defense will finally catch up to them when Tom Brady doesn't have the game we'd expect. He is only human.

A lot will be riding on Brady and the Pats offense, and one bad game could spell the end of their Super Bowl hopes.