New England Patriots Advantages- Everyone knows that New England's offense is a high octane machine. QB Tom Brady has been executing the New England offense to perfection the past few years and this year is no different. His pinpoint accuracy and decision making is a pivotal reason why the Patriots are in this position today. TE's Rob Grownkowski and Aaron Hernandez have been spectacular all season long. They have great hands, run crisp routes and are a matchup nightmare for defenses with their versatility. WR Wes Welker is also a matchup problem for defenses because of his speed, precision and hands. It will be interesting to see how the Giants D will play against these three playmakers.
New York Giants Advantages- The Giants also have a great offense. Sporting three great wide receivers in Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, they have the ability to spread defenses out and pick them apart. To go along with this the improved decision making by Eli Manning has been pivotal in their run to the Super Bowl this year. The Giants also have a powerful ground attack with RB's Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, which helps keep defenses off balance.
The most interesting matchup will be how the Patriots offensive line will match up against the Giants defensive line. If they have trouble stopping the Giants pass rush, it could be a very long day with the weapons the Giants have. Another interesting matchup will be what the Giants do defensively with regard to Grownkowski. I believe they should double team him with LB Michael Boley and S Antrel Rolle. This would free up Hernandez one on one, but I would rather have him in one on one coverage than Gronk.
Prediction- I believe the Giants offense will pick the Patriots defense apart and while the Patriots will have some scoring drives, I don't think they will be able to score enough to make up for it. The Giants may also grind it out and create long scoring drives in order to keep Brady on the sidelines. The Giants can win this game in more ways than one compared to Patriots who need to outscore the Giants to make up for their soft defense.
Giants 31 Patriots-21
