The 2012 Super Bowl, XLVI, pits the New England Patriots against the New York Giants in a rematch from four years ago in one of the most memorable Super Bowls ever. The game is scheduled to take place on Sunday with a start time of 6:29 PM EST and it will be televised nationally on NBC. Currently the odds have the Patriots favored by 3 points, which is half a point less than where the line opened up two weeks ago. The total on the game is 54 points.
Free Pick: The New England Patriots have been wanting to play in this game for four years and now they get their chance. This is a game of matchups and by now, you pretty much know all you need to know about what SHOULD happen in the game. The Giants' front line on defense is going to be talked about a whole bunch, as it should, but I don't think that is the biggest matchup in the game. The Giants receivers against the Patriots secondary will determine how this game ends up. If Eli Manning can throw the ball all over New England, the Giants will be right there at the end of the game. I like the Patriots laying less than a field goal in this game, however. I think they are the better overall "team" even though the Giants might be playing the best football coming into the game. Some books have the Patriots at -2.5 points, which I think is a good bet. Brady and the Pats have been to 4 Super Bowls and three of them ended up in wins. Both teams have been here before, obviously, but something tells me the Patriots come away with the win.
Patriots 31, NY Giants 24
The game is to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking the first appearance by the Super Bowl in the city. It's also the first time the game will be played on consecutive years in a retractable roof stadium. Joining Detroit and Minnesota, Indianapolis becomes just the third "cold weather" city to host a Super Bowl. Because it's an even numbered Super Bowl, the AFC representative New England Patriots have been designated as the home team. Historically, this game is also significant because it's the sixth time a rematch will occur. Calling the game will be NBC Sunday Night Football duo Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth. It will be the eighth time Michaels has called a Super Bowl while Collinsworth is making his second appearance providing color commentary for the game. Michele Tafoya and Alex Flanagan will both be reporting from the sidelines during the broadcast. Radio coverage for the game will be broadcast nationally on Westwood One with Kevin Harlan as commentator and Boomer Esiason as analyst. The national anthem prior to the game will be sung by Kelly Clarkson and the halftime entertainer will be Madonna. The cost for a 30-second commercial spot during the Super Bowl is $3.5 million.
Superbowl Preview Predictions - AFC and NFC Conference Game Recap
Host Marco D'Angelo and Pregame Pro Stephen Nover discuss the AFC Conference game between the Ravens and Patriots, the NFC Conference game between Giants and 49ers and the Superbowl Preview between Giants and Patriots.