The Broncos and Ravens kicked off the weekend with a crazy double-OT game in Denver. This one was tied at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 before finally being decided by Justin Tucker’s game-winning 47-yard field goal. An emotional Ray Lewis played in what will most likely be his final game in Baltimore. The Ravens go to New England next week for a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game.

Green Bay 31, San Francisco 45

Despite being closely contested for three quarters, this game turned into a blowout in the fourth on the strength of 3 straight 49er touchdowns. Colin Kaepernick had one of those video game days for San Francisco, racking up over 440 yards, including 181 on the ground (single-game record for a quarterback). The 49ers will go to Atlanta for next week’s NFC Championship game.

Seattle 28, Atlanta 30

For my money, this was the best game of the weekend. Atlanta jumped out to a 20-0 lead at halftime that looked all-but insurmountable, until Russell Wilson led a Seattle comeback that saw them take the lead with 31 seconds left. But just when it looked like Atlanta would suffer another disappointing early-round loss, Matt Ryan led the offense on a last-minute drive to set up a a 49-yard Matt Bryant field goal to give Atlanta the win. The Falcons will host the 49ers next week.

Houston 28, New England 41

A game that many people expected to be a blowout was closer than that – but not by much. New England dominated the majority of the game, seemingly doing whatever they wanted on offense, whether through the air or on the ground. The Patriots advance to something like their 15th AFC Championship game in the last 10 seasons, and will host the Ravens next week.

- Giants beat Eagles at home

- Redskins beat Cowboys in DC

- Lions beat Bears in Detroit

- Packers beat Vikings in Minnesota

None of these outcomes are totally impossible, but the Lions beating the Bears in a game Chicago has to win is the most unlikely. Although, the way the Giants have been playing lately, their game against the Eagles (in what will likely be Andy Reid’s last game as coach) might be a problem as well. It’s really difficult to understand how a team that returned nearly every starter from a Super Bowl champion and that tore apart the 2 best teams on their schedule (San Francisco and Green Bay) is staring down the possibility of missing the playoffs, but here we are.

It’s true that the Giants probably don’t deserve to be in the playoffs if they can’t win the games they know they need to, but it’s still disappointing to see them play their worst so often when their best is still so good.  Yes, the Giants have championships in 2 of the last 5 years, and have won in the most dramatic ways of any team in recent memory, but you never know how long these championship windows will remain open. The only teams that win in today’s NFL are ones that have franchise quarterbacks, and the Giants are one of the few teams that do. They were lucky to have the #4 pick in a 2003 draft with 3 great quarterback prospects, and they were lucky that Ernie Accorsi pulled the trigger on a trade that landed them the guy who eventually became the best of the bunch. You just can’t know when the stars will align like that again.

The point is this: I’m not ready to give up on the 2012 Giants. I’m hoping against hope that everything breaks the Giants’ way on Sunday and they sneak into a playoff spot that they couldn’t earn for themselves. It’s not because I’m a desperate fanatic who’s lost grip on reality, but because I’m a desperate fanatic who knows that his team is capable of putting together a Super Bowl run when the football world least expects it. I was shocked when the Giants didn’t pull out a win in Baltimore because they’ve proven that they play their best when it’s most necessary, and that their best is better than anyone else’s in football. I know it’s in them to shock me again by making a run deep into the playoffs – I’m just hoping they somehow get that chance.

AFC

1. Denver Broncos (11-3): This team has figured out how to play like the old Indianapolis Colts.  Get a lead, pound the ball, and rush the passer.

2. Houston (12-2): Nice bounce back at home. And, they needed to let the Colts know it’s their year for the division.

3. New England (10-4): That was like watching three different games Sunday night.  This team has their faults, but still can make a run.

4. Indianapolis (9-5): This team shows fight and determination every week, and they have the QB that keeps them in every game.  They now are starting to believe they can win every game.

5. Baltimore (9-5): I have no problem making a coaching change at this point, but I think the replacement is untested and over rated.  The change at offensive coordinator only exposed Joe Flacco more.  Limping towards the playoffs.

6. Cincinnati (8-6):  They now have the chance they have been waiting for.  Games against Pittsburgh and Baltimore to finish the season and get in the tournament.

7. Pittisburgh (7-7): Horrific loss to the Cowboys.  Cincy and Cleveland to end the season.

NFC

The NFC is now officially wide open….

1. San Francisco (10-3-1): The Niners seem to be getting back on stride, but still don’t like the QB drama.  Big trip to Seattle on the horizon.

2. Green Bay (10-4): Showing what having a winning team is all about.  Still think they will struggle in the playoffs without a good O-Line.

3. Seattle (9-5): Good defense, good running game, and a pretty good QB.  Let’s see if they make everyone believers vs SF.

4. Atlanta (12-2): Coaching and playing in a dome can de-rail this team.  Still need to show some toughness.

5. New York Giants (8-6): Win and your in…something they have heard for a few years now. They are the only team of the following group that controls their fate.  Win two and you need no help from anyone.

This is where it really gets interesting….

Chicago, Dallas, Washington,  and Minnesota

Chicago (8-6): Needs help and to win their last two. They lose tie-breaker to Giants if they both finish 10-6.

Dallas (8-6): They play Washington last week of the season, could win the division or miss out altogether.

Washington (8-6): They learned an important lesson this week..They can win without RG3.  Eagles and Cowboys to finish.

Minnesota (8-6): Even though NFL.COM has them listed as the 6th seed currently, that isn’t quite correct.  That is based on if the season ended today, and I’m pretty sure they are not canceling the final two weeks of the season.  They can win their last two and still not make the playoffs.

 Follow Joe on Twitter, @tufdan

Please click on the link below and watch the discussion between Jeremy Fuchs and myself, Joe Tufaro.  We talk about all the match-ups and keys to the game.  Including predictions!

Packers Giants Preview

With the NFC Wildcard showdown between the Giants vs. Falcons prepared to kick-off in a little more then 48 hours, the Giants have to be a little worried about the status of their top cornerback, Corey Webster.

Webster was an addition to the practice report on Thursday in a limited fashion and if he is hampered on Sunday it could prove to be a huge blow to the Giants defensive corps.

Webster did not get a pro-bowl nod this year, but he has certainly put out a valiant effort to be considered a top cornerback in at least the NFC. He has done all the little things right, and the less you hear his name, the better.

Webster is scheduled to have the task of going up against Atlanta’s stud receiever Roddy White in what was sure to be a physical battle. If Webster is not up to the task then rookie cornerback Prince Amukamara will most likely take over the reigns leaving Aaron Ross to cover Julio Jones. Amukamara was originally slated to cover Harry Douglas, brother of Knicks point guard, Toney Douglas.

Prince celebrating his first career interception with Webster

Amukamara was a highly touted college prospect who was once considered a top 10 pick in the NFL draft. He eventually fell to the Giants at 19th, but that was more along the lines of teams filling needs.

If Prince does indeed get the start, it will end up being the biggest game of his short career. Strong play by Prince could be the X-factor into leading the Giants to another Super Bowl run.

For more news, updates, and analysis follow me on Twitter (@ERobertsNY):

http://twitter.com/erobertsny

Dallas Cowboys (8-6) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (6-8): 4:15pm EST. This is a hard game to decide but very simply, we want the Cowboys to win this game. However, it shouldn’t matter. When the GIANTS win their last two games of the season they will clinch the NFC East.

Of importance, the GIANTS cannot make the playoffs by winning a wild-card spot.

‘Twas the day before Christmas when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The bunting was hung by the sidelines with care

In hopes that the playoffs soon would be there

The fans were nestled all snug in their Keds

While visions of Super Bowls danced in their heads

While Tom in his headset, and Rex in his vest

Had just settled their brains for a long winters test

When up in the stands there arose such a clatter

We sprang from our seats to see what was the matter

When, what to our wondering eyes should we see

But Fireman Ed leading a spelling bee

With a tight hot spiral, so lively and quick

We knew that Eli would soon be making him sick

More rapid than eagles the Giants they came

As Eli whistled, and audibled, and called them by name

Now Ballard! now Bradshaw!, now Jacobs! and Vic!

On Osi, on Jason, on Webster and  Nicks

To the back of the endzone to the top of the wall

Now run away, Run away, Run away all

Tom’s eyes how they twinkled! His dimples so Merry!

His cheeks were like roses , his nose like a cherry

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow

As his players and fans enjoyed all the show

Rex was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know we may have something to dread

He spoke every word and went straight to his work

And blitzed poor Eli while Revis did lurk

While playing a hunch they tried a big close

He gave a quick nod and struck a bold pose

Rex sprang in the air, to his team gave a whistle

And away they all flew like Jets they did sizzle

But I heard him exclaim, as they flew out of sight

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night

While the rest of the football world looks towards the Tebow Brady match-up, The Giants take on the Washington Redskins (4-9) in New Jersey tomorrow at 1:00 Eastern.  The Redskins have struggled this year after a good start due mainly to injuries.  No Giants fan wants to hear about how injuries have affected another team, but the losses by the offensive side of the ball have prevented the Redskins from finding much success this year.

Offense:  The Losses of  WR Santana Moss for a large portion of the season, RB Tim Hightower, and TE Chris Cooley, among others has taken away all the balance of this offense.  When your choices at QB are John Beck and Rex Grossman, losing weapons like the above mentioned names is a killer.  The ‘Skins average only 17.5 points per game and are last in rushing yards at 94.  Rookie Roy Helu has stepped in and done an admirable job replacing HIghtower, and the Giants must concentrate on stopping him both in running situations and out of the backfield.  The Redskins showed last week a myriad of trick plays and mis-directions that will test the discipline of the Giants.  Half back passes, wide receiver passes, throw back screens, and double reverses will all be utilized tomorrow to somehow score enough points to be competitive.

Defense: The strength of this Redskin team is up front on defense.  They have drafted and signed well in this area.  They play a three four with both outside linebackers being very active in the pass rush recording 34 sacks as a team.  The Giants will need to continue their strong work up front and give Eli time to find his receivers downfield.  The ‘Skins placed Safety LaRon Landry on IR this week.  LaRon, who regularly gets flattened by Brandon Jacobs, is their best run stopper from the secondary. The secondary has 9 interceptions on the year and the team has an abysmal -14 turnover ratio.

The Giants will need to play well on offense as has been the norm the past few weeks.  Getting off to a fast start and converting early will go along way in this game.  The defense will need to stay disciplined, stop the run, and let Rex Grossman deal with the pressure from the front four.  These last three games are all extremely important to the Giants, but the two division games against these Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys are MUST wins.  I see Eli continuing his good play and the Giants getting a win here.

OK fans, let’s get this out of the way right now. The Rams?! Really? The Rams beat the Saints. My head is still spinning on its neck like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. What can you say? Any given Sunday. Well, we’ve got another Sunday (and Monday) right around the corner and our picks are fresh out of the oven.

ESPN has baked up a tasty little batch of predictions for the upcoming week, as did I. Each week I go head to head with the experts and their two fortune telling robots. The race is pretty close and is still anyones game. Read on to see how they did, how I did and what teams we’re labeling as the easy wins, the fights to the finish and the upsets of the week. Check it out!
(more…)

The last of the regular season games is upon us folks. 2010 has been a tumultuous journey for the New York Giants to say the least. We’ve had our ups – some glorious ups and we’ve had our downs. Boy, were there downs! But we’re not done yet Giants fans!

The Giants’ playoff hopes are alive and well, despite a multitude of missed opportunities. It is going to require a tremendous performance by the Chicago Bears to shoot us into the race for the Lombardi Trophy. Oh yeah, it is also going to take a Big Blue victory over the Washington Redskins this Sunday. We have the analysis and numbers right here. get ‘em while they’re hot!
(more…)

The ESPN panel of prognosticators have reconvened once more to channel up their predictions for this, the final week of the regular season. But for us New York Giants fans, their predictions do not look kindly on us. While they have unanimously picked the Giants to win, they have also picked the Green Bay Packers across the board.

As everyone knows by now, in order for the G-Men to make it into the playoffs, they not only have to beat the Washington Redskins but they will need the Chicago Bears to beat the Pack. This week the ESPN experts are united on 9 outcomes. I will join this panel of prophets once more and offer up my thoughts, picks and insights into what is sure to be an unforgettable season ending. How did I do last week? Who am I going with this week? Click on the link below to find out.
(more…)

There is no question that football fans, as well as players, around the league are as stupefied by the last two New York Giants losses as all of us here at home are. A feeling of uncertainty sinks in when a fan and its team sees the G-Men on their schedule before the start of the season. The reason being is that the New York Giants are a viable and competitive team that are capable of turning a stadium, crowd and team up on their ear. That, of course, is dependent on which Giants team shows up to play.

The Jekyll and Hyde Giants syndrome has been an unfortunate reality for the 30+ years that I have been a football fan. This enigmatic affliction wreaked havoc in 2009 and is beginning, or continuing as the case may be, to work its ominous chicanery. These last six quarters of football are clear, cut indicators that there is a silent but deadly assassin picking apart the success of this Giants football team.
(more…)

Everyone keeps talking about what if this happened or what if that happened on the heroic drive by Elite Manning to win the Super Bowl.

Most of the crazy talk and assumptions is coming from the disappointed and bitter New England fans, but enough is enough with the woulda, shoulda, coulda scenarios from the embarrassed Patriot faithful.

I have had enough with the what if statements that these people believe their Patriots still should have won the game. So, here are some of my own what ifs that could have changed the outcome of the game.

What if Archie Manning hadn’t created two NFL quarterbacks whose missions was to devastate the New England Patriots?

What if Junior Seau hadn’t been in the league since Archie Manning played?

What if Tom Brady hadn’t laughed at Plaxico’s prediction of 17 points for NE?

What if Tom Brady hadn’t asked Plaxico for at least 42 points?

What if Tom Brady actually went out and scored more than 14 points?

What if Bill Belichick got someone to tape the Giants walkthrough?

What if Stephen Gostowski didn’t send kickoffs out of bounds in the Super Bowl?

What if Howie Long didn’t curse the Patriots by putting on a Red Sox hat during the pre-game show?

What if Lawrence Maroney ran for more than 36 yards?

What if Jay Alford didn’t send Tom Brady into the ninth row with his sack on 2nd and 10 with 23 seconds left in the game?

What if Robert Kraft didn’t shoot his mouth off during media week and just kept to his macaroni and cheese production?

What if Charlies Weis had never left New England to go run the Notre Dame program into the ground?

What if Bill Belichick hadn’t walked on the field with one second left, maybe the Giants would have fumbled the kneel?

What if Bill Simmons didn’t tell the entire world that Patriots were not only the 1972 Dolphins but better?

What if David Tyree didn’t have ridiculous hand-eye coordination?

What if Vince Wilfork didn’t weigh as much as the Patriots regular season winning percentage?

What if individual records meant something in terms of winning a championship?

The Patriots’ path to perfection ended up with a detour, which led to a cul-de-sac. And at the dead end that was the end of the Patriots’ season, the whole world came crashing down on the undefeated club. It hadn’t even been 48 hours since the Patriots devastating loss and already members of the 1980 Soviet Union hockey team were calling Robert Kraft to thank him and the rest of the macaroni and cheese makers for finally ending their 27-year reign as sports’ biggest embarrassment.

And the Patriots are getting a run for their money for that title as well, but not by the New York Giants, but by the hosts of the FOX pre-game show. While Terry Bradshaw was too busy riding Tom Brady’s jock, hoping he might get asked to accompany Brady and Gisele on an off-season getaway vacation, and Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson were too tied up collecting ring sizes from the New England players, comedian, Frank Caliendo was doing their job for them as he was the only member of the pre-game to choose the G-Men to win.

The cocky and confident Brady, who if you take away his age, looks, and girlfriend is just a younger version of Bill Belichick, just a snob with a smug attitude, made comments about how his team doesn’t throw out predictions and guarantees. In Tom’s words “they let their play on the field do the talking.” I would like to interview their play on the field and see what it is had to say about the game. Probably something along the lines of “How the hell were we 18-0?”

Brady took his NFL MVP title and left it at his Back Bay apartment in Boston for the Super Bowl, playing as though he was entitled to the Lombardi Trophy, as if he were the heir to the Lombardi Trophy trust fund. But, if you take away Wes Welker’s numbers off the stat sheet, you might think you were looking at Rex Grossman’s production for Super Bowl XLI. Welker took Brady’s four-yard passes and turned them into monstrous 15-yard plays time and time again, while Randy Moss hoped that if he ran straight long enough he would have a 80-yard touchdown reception paid for, gift wrapped, and delivered free of charge to his hands.

Tom looked nothing like a MVP in Super Bowl XLII. He looked more like a 6^th round draft pick, formerly employed as a water boy for Brian Griese and Drew Bledsoe. I can think of multiple three-letter acronyms to describe Tom’s performance on Super Sunday, but for some reason “Most Valuable Player” just doesn’t fit. Tom failed under pressure, couldn’t move around the pocket, and his passes looked to be intended for souvenirs rather than first downs.

Giants 17. Patriots 14. The difference in the game was a field goal. A field goal that was never attempted because Bill Belichick coached the Super Bowl as if he was playing the video game Madden. Please someone tell me another coach who has the balls to go for it on 4^th and 13 in field goal range so early in the game where a touchdown at the time is not needed to win.How about that quickly emerging running game Bill Belichick magically created before the Patriots played Jacksonville three weeks ago. Where was superman Lawrence Maroney who was supposed to do his best Corey Dillon impression in the biggest game of the year? Maroney settled for his best L.T. impression instead, picking up as many yards as the back who sat out all but one drive in the AFC Championship.

I couldn’t help but laugh when Giants players talked about Richard Seymour chirping them on the last drive as he prematurely made post game party plans. I am not sure why Seymour was thinking about partying after suffering the biggest disappointment in Super Bowl history. Maybe he should have been talking to Asante Samuel about making plans to come down with a pick rather than talking to the Giants, rather than asking Rodney Harrison if he was bringing HGH and a bottle of Grey Goose to the festivities or just a bottle of Grey Goose. 

Tom Brady always talks about “team” and “team this” and “team that.” But had Tom Brady not been so selfish and used all the tape in the locker room for his own ankles, he could have shared some with Ellis Hobbs, so that Plaxico Burress wouldn’t have broken his so badly on the move he used to catch the game-winning touchdown.Remember the critics who said give Bill Belichick two weeks to prepare for any game and he will not lose. Where do people come off making remarks like that? The guy is not some football god, he is not some hero, and he is anything but a genius. The man took his 18-0 team into a game where they were favored by nearly two touchdowns and looked as if the game film he studied was from Rick Moranis’ playbook in the movie The Little Giants.

Belichick looked lost as time expired, panning the stadium for the nearest tunnel to the locker room, the same way the Cleveland Browns searched for another city after his coaching placed Browns’ fans at the top of the endangered species list ahead of the bald eagle and manatee. He tried to evade reporters and camera crews though he stuck out like a sore thumb in his red hooded sweatshirt, cut up as if he had pulled it from the back of a John Deere.

Belichick met his former coaching mate, Tom Coughlin, at midfield and took part in his 19^th handshake of the season. But unlike the other 18, this time Belichick took the walk of shame off the field.

The Giants did what no one (except for a handful of people) though they could do. They played a way no one thought they could play. And they beat a team no one thought they could beat.

What a season this past one was. The G-Men had their back against the wall with an 0-2 record, minutes away from starting the year 0-3 and causin an uproar with the media and the front office. They managed to ride a rocky rollercoaster the rest of the season, going 10-4 after that awful start, only to be underdogs in the first round of the playoffs.

They beat Tampa Bay.

They beat Dallas.

They beat Green Bay.

And standing in front of them was the biggest challenge of all, the 18-0 New England Patriots, the game’s greatest team ever (or so we thought).

Led by their MVP QB Tom Brady and superstar wide receiver Randy Moss, the Patriots could not be beaten and had not been the entire season.

But last night was just one of those nights in sports that defines the phrase “that’s why you play the games.” Sure, the Patriots were the best team possibly ever on paper, but for 60 minutes of football in front of the entire world, the New York Giants emerged as the NFL’s best team.

Tom Brady looked like the 6th round draft pick he is, throwing balls everywhere but to his receivers and Bill Belichick looked like the coach who led to the Cleveland Browns moving out of town.

The funny thing is that is the pressure that every other QB in the league deals with a consistent basis, mainly Peyton Manning, who has been placed second under Brady while still putting up the same numbers moving around the pocket and making ridiculous throws. When Brady does not have his nine seconds to find an open guy, he is Tom Brady, the backup QB for Michigan and the 6th round draft pick of the New England Patriots.

Elite Manning was incredible and I laugh at anyone who can even think of putting him anywhere but third behind his brother and Brady in QB rankings. I am sure plenty of readers from The Landry Hat will be over hear to chirp the Super Bowl champions and I hate to break it to you, but your Tony Romo does not hold a candle to Eli, who if you didn’t hear is a WORLD CHAMPION.

After four years of living in Boston during two Red Sox championships and one Patriots, last night was revenge, making up for all of the previous pain and annoyances from the people of Massachusetts.

Every sports writer who chose the Patriots and chose them in a blowout, citing numerous reasons owes an apology. Bill Simmons of ESPN.com has some serious explaining to do, calling the Patriots season the perfect storm and how there was no way they could possibly lose in the Super Bowl. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, who scheduled a parade for tomorrow in Boston will most likely be at his office and not in city hall plaza starting a rally to honor his team. The Boston Globe can stop the sales on their special 19-0 books and all the other merchandise they had selling prior to the Super Bowl.

If you weren’t a fan of the Giants or Patriots last night, you witnessed the best football game of the year on so many levels, and possibly the best game ever, though that can easily be argued.My 34-31 pick was off the mark, though I did get the win by three correct. But I would have taken any combination that meant a win for New York.

There is so much to type and so much to analyze and it will all be done on here. But for now, it is time to celebrate the New York Football Giants. The Super Bowl champions.

Super Sunday is finally here after 14 days of hype and extensive coverage that has seen Tom Brady limp, Plaxico predict the outcome of the game, Congress call for the Spygate tapes, and now reports the Patriots cheated against the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. All of that and more packed into two weeks.

The last time I watched a Super Bowl the Giants were in, it was possibly the ugliest game of football I have ever seen, though this year against Minnesota was up there. But with so much at stake, the Giants folded like they were dealt 7-2 offsuit at a no-limit hold ‘em table. It was embarrassing, disappointing, and heartbreaking all in one three-hour game that left the Giants as a joke at the hands of the Ravens.

That game was seven years ago and a lot has happened since. Since that game the Patriots have gone on to win three rings in three appearances, and very well could have had four if not for their epic collapse last season against the Colts. The NFC has been simply dominate in Super Bowls and only Tampa Bay has won it for the NFC since the Giants lost to the Ravens in that massacre.

Being a die-hard New York fan, living in downtown Boston for four years has been quite the time with the Yankees losing the 2004 ALCS to Boston and the Red Sox winning two World Series in four years. The Patriots won the Super Bowl once already, now going for two, and the people of Massachusetts are positive their team will win, and by the way they talk they would take on either Pro Bowl team in this game and still like their chances.

There have been a million predicitons of how this game will turn out. Patriots win in a blowout, Patriots win in a close game, and Giants win in a close game. There have been no predictions of a Giants blowout and rightfully so, but I really believe anything can happen in one game, as long as there is a chance it can.

There have been 522 NFL football games this season since the Colts pounded the Saints on opening night back in September. We have seen single season records shattered and personal milestones achieved. There have been unlikely upsets and devastating losses. Players injured and coaches fired. Last second field goals attempts and 100+ yard kickoff returns. All of this was done for a chance to play today, on Super Sunday in Game 523.

Tonight the Patriots will play for everything in the world and as I mentioned the 2004 ALCS earlier, it is the same exact scenario we face today. The Patriots are the Yankees, the best of their sport who are suppose to win each and every season while the Giants are the Red Sox, at least for today. If the Patriots win they were suppose to and if they lose it is the biggest upset in history. The Giants are playing with house money and they have the chance to put the house out of business.

If the Patriots win they are automatically given the title of the best team in the history of the NFL. If the Giants win, the sports world will  flip upside down and many football analysts should have their jobs stripped of them for giving the G-Men a 0% chance in the big game. The Giants have a chance to make up for the 2004 Yankees, handing out a devastating blow to the people of Massachusetts and New England.

I have not felt confident about the Giants for the past three games, but I still picked them to win and they haven’t let me down yet. But today I am confident in the New York Football Giants and believe they can bring home a championship to the tristate area. I hope the next time I blog on here, the Giants are Super Bowl Champions.

New York Football Giants 34, Patriots 31

It would be a joke for me to sit here and try to somehow find a way to say the Giants have the better special teams in this game, so I am not. Everyone knows the Patriots have the best offense in the game, but the Giants can play with them, and I believe that.

The last time the two met, a 38-35 score. Expect much of the same today with the perfect temperatures inside the covered stadium in Glendale. It will be chaotic pass rushes that will cause Elite Manning and Tom Brady to make mistakes and ruin the game for either team and nothing else.

The Patriots don’t need a running game and didn’t all season until the playoffs. But Lawrence Maroney will be getting the ball again and that advantage goes to the Giants. They stopped Marion Barber and they stopped Ryan Grant and they will stop Maroney in XLII, you can be certain of that.

Tom Brady doesn’t need to run to throw. He just needs his O-Line and they will be there, better than ever. The key for the Patriots is once again is Dante Stallworth and Wes Welker to make plays with Randy Moss double covered. But if the G-Men let Moss loose once, the result will be a 60+ yard TD.

New England is going to put up points and there is no denying that. Expect a minimum of 21, their fewest all season against San Diego two weeks ago. It is up to the Giants to go toe to toe with them for 60 minutes, something they didn’t do in Week 17.

Elite needs a mistake-free game or the Giants lose. I can’t recall the last time the Giants played a game in which they didnt make mental errors and many of them. This isn’t the Cowboys or Packers, this is the Patriots, the best team in history and if you mess up, they will make up pay. This kind of reminds me of when young teams play the Yankees. You can be beating them all game, but as soon as you walk the leadoff hitter in an inning, game over.

It is time Tom Coughlin calls upon Amante Bradshaw consistently and leaves goal-line plays to Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs needs holes to run, while Bradshaw makes his own, and can pick up big plays with breakaway speed instantly.

Plaxico will play and he will be fine for gametime, regardless of the reports all week. He has played all season and is not going to sit out the biggest game of the season with a swelled knee. You can be certain of that. He will be covered like Moss and will need Amani Toomer and Steve Smith to get open for first downs and beyond. The Giants will have openings in the Patriots defense, but they need to capitalize on their opportunities.

The Patriots certainly have the edge here, but the Giants hopefully will keep up. I would love to ramble on more about the offenses, but I will leave that for the predicition.

Making the Super Bowl has enough perks as is, but the winning team on Sunday will get a bonus for making it to the championship game, but so will the losers.

According to Ralph Vacchiano over at The Blue Screen, each player on the winning team will receive $78,000 while every player on the losing team will go home with $40,000.

Sunday, the Giants play for their first Super Bowl title since 1991 and the biggest upset in football history. The Patriots play for a perfect 19-0 season and to be called the greatest team in football history. And at the same time winning the game is worth $38,000.

For a comparison, Corey Webster made $350,000 last season. He could potentially make 22% of his season pay in one day.