Super Bowl XLVI Giants vs. Patriots: The Spread Staff Picks & Predictions
by Anthony Rome
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (The Spread) – So who does our staff favor in Super Bowl XLVI between the Giants and Patriots? Read on to find out.
Oddsmakers currently list the Patriots as a 3-point favorite over the Giants, while the over/under total has dipped to 53 points. Depending on the sports book, New England opened as either a 3.5 or 3-point favorite while the total opened around 55.5.
Of the wagers currently placed on Super Bowl XLIV, 61% of the NFL betting public likes the Giants and the points. But what does the staff here at The Spread think?
Michael Cash, Spread General Manager: For my 2012 Super Bowl XLV pick I’ve got to go with the New England Patriots –3 or better. Americans love an underdog and that is why you see all the support from bettors for the Giants. However, there is no legitimate argument in my opinion for the Giants to either win this game or cover the current spread. New England is simply a deeper and more experienced team and I have far more confidence in Tom Brady executing the Patriots offense then I do in Eli Manning being able to execute the Giants offense. For anyone that is still interested in the Giants, bet them sooner rather than later because this line will probably be bet down to Even or close to it by game time. SUPER BOWL XLVI PREDICTION: PATRIOTS –3
Anthony Rome, Spread Columnist: Since 1994 there have been seven Super Bowl totals listed in the 50s and five of those games stayed under the total. The under is also 3-2 in the last five Super Bowls and I think the Giants and Patriots will make it four of six. The Giants have the ability to line up four defensive ends at the same time in passing situations, which is an advantage know other team has. When they can create push from the interior of their defensive line, the opposing quarterback can’t step into the pocket and his forced to rush his throws or get rid of the ball before he wants. Thus, the Giants will control this game at the line of scrimmage and limit what Tom Brady is able to do in the passing game. On the flip side, I expect New England to continue to play well defensively by playing back and forcing the Giants to run the ball. I see a low-scoring game until the fourth quarter, where even a few back-and-forth scores won’t take the spread over the total. SUPER BOWL XLVI PREDICTION: UNDER 53
Drew Sharper, Spread Columnist: This game has a number of interesting angles. The Giants seem to have the defense to win with a respectable offense while the Patriots have the offensive firepower with some playmakers on defense. I see the Giants getting pressure on Tom Brady and causing timing issues for the Pats' offense. Look for the Giants to land some big plays on offense against a weak New England secondary. Ultimately, I see the Giants doing enough to get a win against the Patriots as I think the Giants have the better overall team. Prediction: Giants 27, Patriots 21 SUPER BOWL XLVI PREDICTION: GIANTS +3
“Blade,” Spread Forum Moderator: All the talk this year has been about New England's defense, or should I say lack of defense? But so far this unit has really put it together in the playoffs with outstanding efforts against the Broncos and the Ravens. If the defense can put together one more game like the previous two I think they should be able to limit the Giants deep threats and make the Giants run the ball, which New England has shown they can stop. Look for the Patriots to keep the Giants offense off balance and confused while pulling away for an easy win. SUPER BOWL XLVI PREDICTION: PATRIOTS –3