Analysis: Who Wins Super Bowl XLVI and Why

Beating the Patriots twice in one season during the Brady/Belichick era is a rare feat indeed, with only the 2005 Broncos, 2006 Colts and 2010 Jets accomplishing the task. There's reason to believe the Giants can join that exclusive club, however. While New York's Week 9 win in Foxborough shouldn't be used as the sole measuring stick when breaking down this rematch, the fact that it came without a pair of prime offensive players (Nicks and Bradshaw) is certainly noteworthy, as is the fact that the Pats still had their best pass rusher in Carter available as well as Gronkowski at full strength. And while it's true that New England's much-maligned defense has been performing at a higher level during this pivotal stage of the season, so has a Giants' crew that's been making life miserable for enemy quarterbacks in a strikingly similar way it successfully contained Brady and his playmakers the last time these teams met up in a Super Bowl. In reality, though, this sequel seems to be set up for an offensive explosion, with both quarterbacks primed to thrive in the indoor conditions against an opponent with questionable secondary depth that will be put to the test by the strong contingent of pass-catchers on each side. Considering the recent history of this series and the track record of both Manning and Brady in clutch situations, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see this game come down to who has the ball last. But when factoring in New York's better recent results in the turnover department -- a critical determinant to the outcome of the last meeting between these two -- the Giants appear to be a slightly more confident play.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Giants 38, Patriots 34