Super Bowl XLVI Sunday Service Plays 2-5-12

[TheGame]

Bob Balfe

NE -3

[TheGame]

Dave Malinsky Props Writeup

SUPER BOWL XLVI Props Time


OK guys, you know the drill by now – there are hundreds of props out there to sort through, and it could take a full month to delve through them properly. Instead we will focus on a few that bring premium edges, to add to your Super Sunday portfolio.


Kelly Clarkson National Anthem Over 1:34

We see a bad line in play. Clarkson has done past anthems close to this range, but those were much different settings. Now she is out on tour to promote a new CD, and that means a chance to drive ticket sales and CD sales. And with an Indianapolis children’s choir backing her up, this can easily run much longer than in the past.


Eli Manning 1st Pass Incomplete +175

We would not be surprised to see the Giants go deep out of play action early – they have a strong matchup of their physical WR’s against a pedestrian Patriot secondary. So instead of that short pass to get early confidence, we might see an attempt at a quick strike, which makes this a solid value at the generous return.


No Special Teams or Defensive TD -175

A generic line has been set here that does not fit the ay that these teams play. Both are fundamentally sound, and only allowed four return TD’s by the opposition all season.


Deron Williams Points + Assists +2.5 -110
Brandon Jacobs rushing yards

The best part of a weak Patriot defense is their ability to stuff the run inside with Vince Woolfork and others. We do not expect the Giants to run into that strength often. Meanwhile Williams can put on a Saturday night show in Madison Square Garden against that weak Knick defensive back-court.

[TheGame]

Steve Nover Prop Writeup

It's understandable if you can't come up with a side or total play on the Super Bowl. This one is priced right.


But there's no excuse for not finding a prop to your liking.


I've got a few. Allow me to share.


Not surprising, Tom Brady and Eli Manning are featured in several. Brady has been the best quarterback in football. This season, he was with Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees in the upper elite class. Manning has been the hottest quarterback down the stretch.


I see them both playing well. Brady didn't play well against Baltimore in the AFC championship series, but I can't remember the last time he had back-to-back poor performances.


They each have a plus price attached to the No on if they'll throw an interception. Going with the prop numbers at Station Casinos in Las Vegas, Manning is plus $1.60 that he won't be picked off while Brady is plus $1.25 that he won't throw an interception.


I think at least one of them will have a clean game. So I'll play on both of them at plus prices not to get intercepted, figuring to make a profit that at least one of them won't get picked off.


Brady is going to throw a lot. I know that. But I'm going to play that his longest pass completion goes less than 42 1/2 yards. During the season, Brady threw 488 passes. Only 45 of them were deep throws. That's less than 10 percent.


Using this same strategy, I'm going to play against BenJarvus Green-Ellis. I'm going to bet under 12 1/2 rushing attempts and under 47 1/2 rushing yards. Both are even or plus prices.


Green-Ellis is the Patriots' short-yardage guy. The Patriots don't have a full-time running back. The Patriots don't run much and Bill Belichick uses a committee approach. Green-Ellis doesn't figure to pile up carries unless this becomes a Patriots blowout - which no one anticipates.


At plus $1.30, I'll take a shot on Chad Ochocinco catching a pass. Ochocinco is under the radar because he had a quiet season and wasn't active for the Patriots' AFC title game against Baltimore. The reason for that was Ochocinco's father had just died.


Ochocinco is a proven veteran. Brady likes to spread the ball around. The Giants will be keying on Wes Welker and New England's outstanding tight ends. So Ochocinco can expect single coverage. Belichick has always liked Ochocinco. I think he'll make sure Ochocinco gets at least one Super Bowl catch.

[TheGame]

Bob Christ's super bowl breakdown February 03, 2012 3:31 PM by Bob Christ

SUNDAY, Febuary 5

The New York Giants just completed a startling three-game run through the NFC playoff jungle with a 3-0 mark ATS. En route they flustered the conference’s top two seeds as a road underdog.

By contrast, the New England Patriots enjoyed a first-round bye and home playoff wins over underdogs Denver and Baltimore.

Anyway, what’s to make of the Giants? Are they a dynamic force careening downhill or a physically and mentally exhausted bunch after climbing Super Bowl Mountain.

Since 1997, momentum has trumped fatigue. The nine previous squads that went 3-0 ATS in the playoffs via the long route to the Super Bowl went a cumulative 8-0-1 ATS (6-3 SU) in the title game, including the Giants’ 17-14 upset of the perfect Patriots four years ago as a 12½-point underdog.

Now for a closer look at Sunday’s games:

Giants (12-7) vs. Patriots (15-3)

Time: 3:29 p.m. PT

Line: Patriots by 3 (54 OVER/UNDER)

(2½ in a number of Vegas books)

Facts: The Giants are the first team in history to get this far despite being outscored during the season. Twice they lost to (gasp!) the 5-11 Redskins. Then again, in 1995 Dallas was swept by a 6-10 Washington team but still was Super. The 2001 Patriots won rings despite being outgained 29.8 yards a game, the worst margin for a team that ever even reached a title game. They were +17.9 this year.

Analysis: NE ringmaster Bill Belichick has won three titles, but he’s been no genius in head-to-heads with NYG boss Tom Coughlin, going 1-3 SU (0-4 ATS), including the Pats’ late Super meltdown four years ago. Coughlin’s first-year Jaguars even beat Belichick’s Browns in 1995 as 13½-point underdogs. Not to mention Belichick is only 10-15-2 ATS with an extra week to scheme (Coughlin 9-8-1). So, why not to take a Giants team that gave NE its lone home loss this season?

Forecast: Giants 34, Patriots 21

[TheGame]

Patriots have chance to show 2008 loss was fluke January 31, 2012 3:00 AM by Mark Mayer

GamingToday always takes pride in providing the best gaming info you CAN bet on. Here is something we came cross that you should NOT approach.

A sports book, thankfully outside Las Vegas, offered a prop bet on singer Kelly Clarkson botching the national anthem for this Sunday’s Super Bowl. Anyone stupid enough to use the Star Spangled Banner as gaming material, should probably book a quick trip to Greece and save their woeful economy.

We’ll call it the Stephen Tyler Star Mangled Banner prop: It’s +250 that Clarkson messes up. Oh yeah, there’s an over/under of 94 seconds from start to finish. There are even wagers on what uniform she’ll wear. No wonder we can’t get Congress to legalize sports betting. Capitol Hill thinks we’re all whack jobs.

Which brings us to the Super Bowl. When it comes to games that matter most, do the better teams win?

I think a fair answer would be not always.

A case could be made Alabama was the better team when losing to LSU during the NCAA regular season. Fortunately the Crimson Tide earned a second chance and were clearly superior to the Tigers in the BCS Championship game.

In 2007, the New England Patriots were attempting to become the first 19-0 team in NFL history. But they lost to the New York Giants. Now four years later, the Patriots have the opportunity to say the 2008 loss was a fluke.

For the Giants, another victory over New England would forever cement HC Tom Coughlin in future conversations with Bill Parcells as the best coach in franchise history.

Are the Giants better overall than the 2007-08 team? I say, yes. Are the Patriots? I say overall, no.

The line predictably came out at 3 in favor of the Patriots. I heard those arguments that the line was out of whack, but books rarely make those type of errors. A common misconception in formulating a line is that it’s based on which team is better.

That’s not entirely the case.

A lot has to do with public perception and the way the money is bound to go. Bettors have confidence in the Patriots so to make them an underdog or pick’em in SB 46 (No, I’m not a fan of those crazy Roman numerals.) would see virtually all the money come in their way.

The books in year 2012 aren’t about to put themselves at that kind of risk.

I thought the betting line would start off 3, just as last week’s AFC Championship spread against the Baltimore Ravens figured to be 7.

All right, now for our by design short analysis.

New England is an offensive beast. Give Tom Brady time and he will carve you up. He’s got those two monster tight ends and the gnat Welker running all over the field. And there isn’t anyone he won’t throw the ball to.

What the Giants have to do is pressure Brady and keep the passes in front of them.

Deion Branch has a knack of coming up big on deep throws in Super Bowls. He could be a factor again. Or perhaps "Ochocinco."

New York has clearly shown the ability to win a shootout behind Eli Manning or get down and dirty as they did against San Francisco.

They are also more likely to beat you deep with Hicks and Cruz. Plus the New England secondary is vulnerable to say the least. Even Rodney Harrison would admit that.

I would give the Giants the edge in the ground attack, especially if Bradshaw is on his game.

It figures to be a fourth quarter game and nobody has been better this year in the final 15 than Eli.

So I will take the points, sit back and safely enjoy what figures to be another classic between Brady and Manning. GIANTS.

[TheGame]

PowerSweep:

NY/NE OVER 55 Rating 2*
POINTWISE:

NYG 23 Rating 4*
NE 20
NELLY'S GREENSHEET:

UNDER 55 Rating 3*
Marky Marc Lawrence's Playbook:

NYG by 3

[TheGame]

Sports Illuminati SB Props

Patriots: -16.5 +525
Giants total points: UNDER 26.5 -115
Patriots total points: OVER 30.5 +105
Total TD's: UNDER 6.5 -115
Total rushing yards: Danny Woodhead OVER 22.5 +105
Super Bowl MVP's: Danny Woodhead +2500 Aaron Hernandez +1200

[linebacker]

Steven Budin CEO
Sunday's Pick

The Baltimore crew has its 50 Dime play on the New England Patriots as the favorcte against the New York Giants. As this selection is releaised at 1:00 PM Eastern on Friday afternoon, the Patriots are laying between -2 1/2 (at a cost of -110 to -120 depending on where you shop so check around for the best price) to -3 at sportsbooks evedywhere I've checked in Vegas and offshore. If you can only get the Patriots at -3, I would buy the insurance on New England and take the Pats down then to -2 1/2 so you pick up a win if this game is decided by a field goal in New England's favor.
 

[TheGame]

Lee Sterling of Paramount Sports

Victor Cruz UNDER 89.5 receiving yards

[TheGame]

Norm Hitzges

Double plays

Giants
Giants under

[TheGame]

Pick 'n' roll: Sunday's best NBA bets

Memphis Grizzlies at Boston Celtics (-4.5, 179)

Jesus Shuttlesworth has game. And he's had a whole lot of game especially since returning from an ankle injury on January 29.

Ray Allen missed three games late last month with the injury, but he has now scored in double-figures in four straight outings. Allen is scoring 15 points per game during this stretch and he has connected on 11 of 19 three-point attempts in his last four.

Not coincidentally, the Celtics have won three in a row and seven of their last eight (5-3 ATS) heading into Sunday's home game against the Grizzlies. They have won four of their last five at home after Friday's 91-89 comeback victory over the Knicks.

The Grizzlies are mediocre at defending the three-point line, allowing opponents to shoot 34.8 percent from beyond the arc (16th best in the NBA). As for the team's overall outlook, Memphis has lost five of its last seven games (3-4 ATS).

Pick: Celtics

Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat (-16, 189)

Don't be alarmed by the bloated 16-point spread. When the Raptors have been losing of late, they have been losing in a major way.

Toronto lost by 15 at Denver on January 27 before things really got ugly. The team fell 100-77 at home to Atlanta on Tuesday and it got blown out 100-64 at Boston on Wednesday. The Raptors have actually won two of their last five, but those victories came against lowly New Jersey and Washington.

Such is life for Toronto without Andrea Bargnani, who has missed the last five games (and all three blowout losses) with a strained left calf. Bargnani sustained the injury on January 25 against the Jazz and he remains out indefinitely.

Miami, on the other hand, actually has all hands on deck at the moment. Every one of the Big 3 is healthy and they played like it in a dominant 20-point road win at Philadelphia on Friday. Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, Chris Bosh added 12, and LeBron James contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.

Pick: Heat

[TheGame]

College funds: Sunday's best NCAAB bets

Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans (-8.5, 126)

Michigan State is 13-0 at home this season and 7-3 ATS, including 4-0 ATS in their last four. The Spartans, however, could be in unfamiliar territory on Sunday against Michigan.

Senior captain Draymond Green, who leads the team in both scoring (14.9 ppg) and rebounding (10.2) suffered a knee injury in a 42-41 loss at Illinois on Tuesday. It could have been worse, but the sprain leaves Green probable for the rivalry game against the Wolverines. He was recently upgraded from doubtful, but he may not be 100 percent.

Michigan State needs Green at full strength because Michigan is playing solid basketball and is a half-game ahead of the Spartans in the Big Ten standings at 7-3. The Wolverines are coming off a 68-56 home win over Indiana on Wednesday.

The Spartans will have to do a better job of containing Michigan guard Trey Burke, who went for 18 points against Indiana and has scored in double-figures in 16 of his last 17 games. Burke scored a game-high 20 points in a 60-59 win over Michigan State on January 17.

Pick: Michigan

Villanova Wildcats at Pittsburgh Panthers (-8, 144.5)

An eight-game slide in December and January was Pittsburgh's longest in more than 10 years. It should come as no surprise that the end of the losing streak coincided with the return of point guard Tray Woodall.

Woodall missed the last six games of the skid with an abdominal injury before returning on January 21. The Panthers lost at home to Louisville, but Woodall was easing back into action and contributed only two assists and one rebound.

Now, though, Pittsburgh is in the midst of a three-game winning streak (all versus Big East competition) and Woodall has been a huge factor in all three games. He had 17 points and nine assists in a blowout of Providence, dished out 10 assists in a 12-point victory over Georgetown, and poured in 24 points in a win at West Virginia on Tuesday. The Panthers covered the spread in all three contests.

"We were flowing," Woodall said after beating Providence last week. "We were setting each other up. When I'm out there it allows guys more room to work the ball and everyone is able to get shots. It looked real good out there with everyone knocking down shots with confidence."

Villanova, meanwhile, is 1-6 on the road this season and the team has lost two in a row overall (0-2 ATS).

Pick: Pittsburgh

[TheGame]

Ice picks: Sunday's best NHL bets

Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils (108, 5) 

No Sidney Crosby, no problem. At least for the moment.

The Penguins had won eight in a row prior to Wednesday's 1-0 loss at Toronto. They scored 33 goals during those eight wins, an average of 4.13 goals per game. Pittsburgh scored only two goals on Saturday, but it still won 2-1 at Boston.

New Jersey, meanwhile, is giving up goals at an alarming rate. The Devils allowed four on Saturday at Philadelphia, but they came away with a 6-4 victory. They have surrendered 20 goals in their last five contests.

The Devils have three players questionable for Sunday's home date with Pittsburgh. Center Ryan Carter (two goals, two assists, 60 penalty minutes) is dealing with a hand injury, center Adam Henrique (13 goals, 21 assists) has missed three games due to a groin problem, and a bruised back has sidelined defenseman Adam Larsson (two goals, 14 assists) for the last two contests.

Pick: Penguins

Philadelphia Flyers at New York Rangers (-138, 5.5) 

Starting goalie Henrik Lundqvist is a huge reason why the Rangers are on top of the Atlantic Division and in contention for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. He is in the top five in all four of the key goaltending categories; wins (fifth with 23), shutouts (tied for first with six), GAA (second at 1.77), and save percentage (first at .939).

Lundqvist is especially on fire at the moment. He has allowed only two goals in his last three games and he is coming off two straight shutouts. On Wednesday he stopped 34 shots before New York won at Buffalo in a shootout.

The Flyers can expect to see Lundqvist in goal on Sunday because he had almost a week off for the All-Star break and he got some rest on Tuesday when backup Martin Biron was in goal for a shootout loss at New Jersey.

Pick: Rangers

[TheGame]

Matt Rivers
300,000* Patriots
100,000* Over

[playboy80605]

Nick " Bookie Killer" Parsons

Receivers and Tight Ends Props

Cruz vs. Welker - Most receiving yards by: Both players must play in game for action (Offense only). Game must go 55 minutes for action. Overtime counts towards wager. Official stats via NFL.com Any scoring changes after game is official are invalid towards wager.

Victor Cruz -10 receiving yards -110

Wes Welker +10 receiving yards -120

Suggested wager: Victor Cruz -10 receiving yards -110

Reason: While Wes Welker will surely see a few more touches here because of the injury to Rob Gronkowski, Welker is just one of many options for Tom Brady.

Welker (122 receptions, 1,569-yards, 9 TDs, on an average of 12.9 YPC), is utilized more in short crossing slant patterns, which takes advantage of his "quickness".

Victor Cruz on the other hand had a breakout season, with 82 receptions for 1,536 yards and 9 TDs; that's an average of 18.7 yards per catch.

And he is without a doubt Eli Manning's favorite target.

These players are very similar in many respects, each entering the league as undrafted free agents.

“It’s a very fine line,” Cruz said. “It takes a little bit of luck. It takes a lot of skill and a lot of determination, a lot of hard work…. It’s being in the right place at the right time, being with the right team, being at the right moment and making all the necessary plays when you have to.”

Cruz looked dominant in the NFC Championship game vs. the 49ers, collecting 142 receiving yards.

I always recommend caution when playing "prop" wagers, but this one seems pretty solid; good luck this Sunday!

[playboy80605]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with Florida State Saturday.

Sunday it’s the over in the Super Bowl. The deficit is 190 sirignanos.

[STGUCHI]

Free-Sports-Pix

SuperBowl Pick
NY Giants +7.5 -240

[STGUCHI]

Turner


Game: N.Y. Giants vs New England
Pick: Over 55 (-110)

[STGUCHI]

PITT VIPER SPORTS

ROT# 102 - 6:30pm - New England -2.5 (-115)
2.5 units to win 2.17 units
My Prediction:
New England 30 - New York 24
*New England will lead by 6 with a couple minutes left in the game. New York will have a chance at a superbowl winning drive, like they did in their last superbowl, but this time they'll fall short like Peyton Manning and Indianapolis did (on his final drive where he threw a pick-six). New England's defense, that has been judged and talked down upon, will get the last word in tonights game; en route to a New England Super bowl win (by 6 points).*

[STGUCHI]

ESPN "Expert Picks"

Notice the quotes...Take it for what it's worth.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Can Bill Belichick and Tom Brady lead the New England Patriots to their fourth Super Bowl title? Or will Eli Manning and the New York Giants pull off another upset of the Patriots and win their second ring in five seasons?

The oddsmakers made the Patriots slight favorites, but our experts are divided. The only thing we know for sure is that everyone has an opinion on the game.

John Clayton: Patriots, 24-20
It's hard to beat Tom Brady three times in a row at his game of comeback football in the fourth quarter. Although I worry about the Patriots' defense, I think Brady and Bill Belichick will find a way to squeak out a victory.

Dan Graziano: Giants, 31-24
The Giants weren't the best team in the NFL for most of this season, but they have been for the past six weeks. Eli Manning should torch an overmatched New England secondary. Frankly, the Giants' past two opponents were tougher than this one.

James Walker: Patriots, 27-24
I picked the Patriots in the preseason, so there's no point in backing out now. I doubt Tom Brady will have two bad games in a row, especially against an inconsistent Giants secondary.

Jeffri Chadiha: Giants, 28-24
New York has enough defense to control Tom Brady & Co. New England can't say the same when it comes to stopping the Giants' balanced offense.

Adam Schefter: Patriots, 27-16
The Giants are the better and more complete team. But they also have to figure out a way to beat Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the memory of Myra Kraft.

Ian O'Connor: Giants, 34-24
Four years ago, the Giants' pass rush negated the talent difference between Tom Brady and Eli Manning. This time around, the pass rush is just as fierce, and there is no discernible talent difference between Brady and Manning. No David Tyree required in the rematch.

Mike Reiss: Patriots, 30-20
This reminds me of the Nov. 13 game at the Jets, a contest in which many predicted trouble for the Patriots but the team came through. I think the Pats will do it again. While there is respect for the Giants' pass rush, it's not like opponents have been completely shut down by the unit. I expect some points from a faster-paced attack, and that quarterback Tom Brady will play better and limit mistakes. On the opposite side, the improved defense will limit the run and force Eli Manning into some long-yardage situations, and that's when the Patriots can dial up some pressure. Promises to be a good one.

Jamison Hensley: Patriots, 31-20
Tom Brady didn't play well in the AFC Championship Game, and he remembers losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl four years ago. A motivated Brady is a dangerous one. He will prove that you don't need a defense to win a ring.

Mike Sando: Patriots, 27-23
I'll stick with my preseason prediction/guess, so New England it is. But all the pressure is on the Patriots, same as four years ago.

Matt Williamson: Giants, 28-24
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are difficult to pick against, but I don't see this as a very good matchup for New England. Expect several big plays from the Giants' wide receivers. I also think New York will pressure Brady well enough with only four pass-rushers, and its safeties and linebackers can do enough to slow down the Patriots' middle-of-the-field passing attack, especially if Rob Gronkowski isn't healthy.

More expert picks
ESPN.com writers
Name   Score   Why?

Bill Barnwell   Patriots, 27-23   The first game between these teams came down to the Giants' taking advantage of Patriots backups on a crucial final drive, thanks to injuries. The Patriots' defense isn't healthy, but it should be healthy enough to hold off the G-Men this time around in yet another close Giants-Pats game.
Rich Cimini   Giants, 31-27   The Giants are more balanced on both sides of the ball. Eli Manning should pick apart the Patriots' patchwork secondary, but don't be surprised if the running game -- Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs -- emerges as the story.

Gregg Easterbrook   Giants, 2-0   Confusion about the new playoff overtime format reigns when the Giants onside kick to start overtime and the Patriots recover but run the wrong way.

Kate Fagan   Giants, 31-27   The Giants are a runaway train. They seem to have convinced themselves that this Sunday will be a repeat performance of Super Bowl XLII, and the Patriots' defense isn't strong enough to stop that momentum.

David Fleming   Giants, 28-24   Both quarterbacks will take a beating in this game, but while Eli Manning plays bigger and better in these situations, Tom Brady tends to shrink.

Chris Forsberg   Patriots, 17-14   The Revenge Tour crescendos with Rob Gronkowski making a ridiculous TD grab that's one part David Tyree and another part Curt Schilling's bloody sock. No leaving the field early for Bill Belichick this time around. The only thing that'll tear him away from this celebration is submitting the paperwork to rename his boat VI Rings.

Ashley Fox   Giants, 27-24   The Giants are on a Packers-esque roll, and the Patriots haven't lit the playoffs on fire. Eli Manning will torch the New England secondary to get his second ring in big brother's house.

D.J. Gallo   Patriots, 27-24   The Patriots will get a measure of revenge for their loss in Super Bowl XLII. But "12-8" shirts mocking the Giants' defeat probably won't sell as well as those "18-1" shirts did.

Greg Garber   Giants, 16-13   Revenge is swee -- oh, wait. The Giants' defense is marginally better than the Patriots'.

Paul Kuharsky   Giants, 27-23   Hardly rocket science, but I envision the New York pass rush and the New England pass defense being the biggest factors in the game. Still, with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady cast as "underdogs," the Patriots are scary.

Jackie MacMullan   Patriots, 27-24   Is there any doubt this game goes down to the final two minutes?

Elizabeth Merrill   Patriots, 21-20   I've gone back and forth on this. I truly thought, two months ago, that the Giants would be the most dangerous team if they made the playoffs. But Tom Brady and Bill Belichick rarely lose these kind of games.

Rick Reilly   Giants, 25-24   Sixty-five thousand people will learn to salsa at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Mike Rodak   Patriots, 27-24   It's a back-and-forth contest that will yet again test the Patriots' mettle. Tom Brady will be hit and pressured, and probably will throw an interception or two. This game will be decided by the Patriots' defense and its ability to stop Eli Manning when it counts most. Some way, somehow -- just as this season has gone -- the Patriots will come out on top.

Kevin Seifert   Giants, 27-21   The Giants' defensive line overpowered the Patriots four years ago and is in position to do the same Sunday.

Ross Tucker   Giants, 27-24   The Giants' trio of wide receivers will be too much for the Patriots' defense to handle. The Rob Gronkowski injury will loom large for the Pats' offense, as their biggest weapon won't be nearly as effective as he normally is.

Seth Wickersham   Giants, 30-24   Eli Manning is a safer bet in the playoffs than the post-2005 Tom Brady. Oh, and the Giants are a more well-rounded team.

Bill Williamson   Patriots, 27-17   Eli Manning won't grab another Super Bowl ring on Tom Brady's watch. Brady will add to his legacy as one of the best Super Bowl performers of all time with a masterful performance against a strong defense.

Pat Yasinskas   Giants, 28-24   Most people think Bill Belichick is the best coach in the world. I think Tom Coughlin is at least as good, and a victory against Belichick will open the way for Coughlin to get the recognition he deserves.

Ohm Youngmisuk   Giants, 31-27   Eli Manning is a better QB than he was in SB XLII. He also has more dangerous receivers. The Patriots don't want to give Manning the ball for a last-minute drive again. Much of the attention has been on the Giants' pass rush, but the secondary and linebackers will come up big as they did against Green Bay.

ESPN analysts
Name   Score   Why?
Chris Berman   Patriots, 27-23   Much respect to the Giants, but I think Tom Brady is ready to top even himself.

Tedy Bruschi   Patriots, 27-24   Stephen Gostkowski writes his name next to Adam Vinatieri in the book of Super Bowl heroes with a game-winning kick as time expires.

Michelle Beadle   Giants, 28-25   The Giants will ride the momentum train and the backs of their defense -- and I don't like the Patriots.

Cris Carter   Giants, 28-24   All I can say is "salsa."

Colin Cowherd   Patriots, 28-27   The media coverage and the tenor of the Super Bowl has been overwhelmingly New York, and I sense an upset.

Trent Dilfer   Patriots, 28-27   My brain tells me the matchups are in the Giants' favor, but my gut tells me the revenge factor wins out.

Mike Ditka   Giants, 24-17   The Giants are better on both sides of the ball, and the Patriots are going to have a tough time scoring a lot of points against this defense.

Herm Edwards   Patriots, 31-27   From what I've seen the past five weeks, the Giants are the best team going into this game, but it's going to boil down to red zone offense. I see Tom Brady throwing four touchdowns and Eli Manning throwing three.

Mike Golic   Giants, 24-20   Right now the Giants are playing better than the Patriots, and I think they're a more balanced team. It could come down to who has the ball last, and if the Giants have the ball last, I have a lot of faith in Eli Manning to do what he did in Week 9 against the Patriots.

Mike Greenberg   Giants, 34-20   I like the Giants in a big way -- a big way for Big Blue. They are the healthier team, and that's the most important factor. They're the hotter team, and, frankly, they're the better team. I like the Giants, and I don't think it's that close.

Jon Gruden   Patriots, 30-27   I don't think you can get Tom Brady twice in the same game.

Tim Hasselbeck   Patriots, 27-24   Even though I see this as a bad matchup for the Patriots, I believe their ability to control the tempo on offense will be the difference in the game and will prevent Tom Brady from getting hit too often.

Merril Hoge   Giants, 27-20   The NFL is about matchups, and all the matchups are in the Giants' favor. They just need to execute.

Tom Jackson   Giants, 24-20   All the emotional intangibles are in the Patriots' favor, but I believe the Giants are a better football team -- and a healthier team.

Ron Jaworski   Giants, 27-21   Eli Manning is on a roll, and Hakeem Nicks will have a big game against the Patriots' makeshift secondary.

Suzy Kolber   Giants, 27-24   Finally healthy, the Giants' D is the force they hoped it would be before the season started. Their pass rush can get Brady off his mark. Offensively, no QB has been more clutch this season than Eli Manning and he's complemented by two weapons that weren't available when they beat the Patriots in Week 9.

Steve Levy   Giants, 31-30   Eli Manning is now just as cool as Tom Brady, although in a different way.

Kenny Mayne   Patriots, 31-30   I take New England by one point because that's the minimum a team can win by and I see it as a pick 'em game. If Ed Hochuli can explain in 30 minutes or less how a team can win by less than a point, I will believe him and make that my prediction.

Eric Mangini   Patriots, 34-31   The Giants have become the trendy pick and I understand why. Tom Brady, however, is going to have better answers to the problems New York can create and he will take advantage of the Giants' inconsistent disguise. Both teams will score a lot of points and it will probably come down to who has the ball last.

Chris Mortensen   Giants, 34-24   Everybody wants to talk about the last time these two teams played in the Super Bowl. That's irrelevant. This time the Giants are just the better team. They have played a tougher schedule and are more battle-tested.

Sal Paolantonio   Patriots, 31-27   We're in the middle of a trilogy. Super Bowl XLII was a new hope, and you can't have a "Return of the Jedi" without "The Empire Strikes Back."

Antonio Pierce   Giants, 29-27   Eli Manning in the fourth quarter will do what he has done all year long -- throw a game-winning touchdown.

Jerry Rice   Giants, 28-21   The Giants are too strong on defense with Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora, who hopefully shows up for the game. Also, the Patriots don't have the secondary to keep up.

Ryen Rusillo   Patriots, 24-20   The Patriots will have a similar game plan to what they did against Baltimore to neutralize the Giants' front.

Mark Schlereth   Patriots, 27-24   Everything points to the Giants but Bill Belichick will have a one-back plan that attacks the Giants' NASCAR front and keeps pressure off Brady.

Stuart Scott   Giants, 31-27   I always expect greatness out of Tom Brady, but I just don't know how New England's secondary is going to contain Manningham, Cruz and Nicks.

Mike Tirico   Patriots, 28-22   It's hard for me to think that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will lose their second Super Bowl in five
years to the Giants.

Scott Van Pelt   Patriots, 23-20   The entire basis of this pick is Tom Brady, and that's ridiculous.

Trey Wingo   Patriots, 27-24   Every matchup favors the Giants, so of course I'm going with the Patriots.

Damien Woody   Giants, 27-24   The Giants have two things in their favor: a hot quarterback in Eli Manning who can expose a poor New England secondary, and a pass rush that can get after Tom Brady.

Scouts Inc.
Name   Score   Why?
Gary Horton   Giants, 23-17   The difference in this game is the evolving three-wide receiver package that we didn't see early on. The Giants can match the Patriots' offensive explosiveness, and they are playing at a higher level.

Doug Kretz   Giants, 24-21   The Giants can be one of the most dominating run teams in the league, and with the issues New England's defense has had with tackling, I'd look for Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to be difference- makers. Also, the Giants' pass-rush pressure package will make it difficult for Tom Brady to excel, especially if TE Rob Gronkowski is not totally healthy.

Ken Moll   Patriots, 30-28   Both clubs have excellent QBs with several weapons who can move the chains. Both defenses have been much improved over the last half of the season, but it will be the red zone scoring defense that will determine the outcome. I give a slight edge to the Patriots in this phase and thus a close victory.

ESPN.com NFL editors
Name   Score   Why?
John Banks   Giants, 30-24   Expect TE Rob Gronkowski to play, but he'll be limited with a high ankle sprain, and so will the Patriots' offense. The Giants will shut down Aaron Hernandez, further limiting Tom Brady's options. This game will be close through three quarters, but New York will pull away late. MVP: Eli Manning. Does that cement his Hall of Fame status? That's a definite, ahh, maybe.

Larry Graham   Giants, 24-17   A touchdown by the Giants' defense will be the difference. Plus, Tom Brady hasn't beaten an elite quarterback all season.

Alex Kimball   Giants, 31-23   Who would have thought a team that was swept by the 5-11 Redskins and lost four in a row in the regular season would crush the 15-1 Packers at Lambeau in the playoffs? I haven't guessed correctly on the Giants once this season, but there's a first time for everything … right?

Rico Longoria   Giants, 35-31   The Patriots will make their share of plays but the Giants' pass-rush pressure will eventually be too much for New England's offense, and New York's advantage at wide receiver will be the difference.

Rob Peterson   Giants, 33-30   In the first OT game in Super Bowl history, the Patriots win the toss and drive for a field goal and a 30-27 lead. On their possession, the Giants gain 3 yards on an Ahmad Bradshaw dive. On second-and-7 from their 23, Eli Manning finds Victor Cruz on a drag route over the middle. He takes it 77 yards to give the Giants their second NFL title in five years.

Shawna Seed   Patriots, 27-24   The Patriots won't be caught by surprise this time.

Patrick Stiegman   Patriots, 37-31   You can't spell "elite" without Eli, nor can you spell "TCB" without TCB -- and Tom "Competitor" Brady will take care of business. Revenge for SB XLII? Check. Redeem un-Bradyesque AFC title game? Check. Restore rep as QB of the present, not ghost of Super Bowls past? Check. Seven years removed from his last NFL title, expect a Very Brady Sequel.

Scott Symmes   Patriots, 24-20   Rob Gronkowski is banged up, and the Patriots' secondary is vulnerable. Still, my gut says Tom Brady & Co. will find a way -- how's that for hard-hitting analysis?

[STGUCHI]

STU "THE SOURCE" FEINER

Private Play Super Bowl Bonanza! 11 bets

Pointspread Winner      NY GIANTS
Money Line Winner      NY GIANTS
Over/Under Winner     NY GIANTS OVER
2-Team Parlay          NY GIANTS  & OVE

NY GIANTS TO WIN BY MORE THAN 17,  NY GIANTS WIN 48-21
BIGGEST NFC "WHOOP ASS" GO BIG BLUE!!

PROP ELI TO WIN MVP THINKS HE SCORES 5 TDS


PS. STU IS A BIG NY GIANT FAN.

[goirish]

Spartan

triple-dime bet 101 NYG 3.0 (-110) Bodog vs 102 NEP Analysis: Here it is, the most anticipated game of the NFL season. By now you've been bombarded by analysis from every talking head on the face of the earth. I appreciate the trust you're showing in me here. We've been red hot with the NFL Triples and I'm confident it will continue here guys. I'm not going to beat this thing to death. The Giants have been a cash cow for us this post season as we've ridden them every single step of the way. I feel honestly they are the best team taking the field here. They very much remind me of Green Bay last season when they caught fire and rode that momentum all the way to the Lombardi trophy. Manning is on top of his game and I imagine the Giants are feeling a little disrespected going into this thing the underdog. I think that helps our cause. I also look at this Pats team and the stubborn fact is they have struggled all season against quality opposition. Had Lee Evans secured that pass in the last game it would be the Ravens here and not New England. Also, and my regular clients know I don't get all carried away with trends but sometimes there are things that stand out much like this. The teams going into the super bowl with the higher seed are a miserable 1-11-2 in the big game since 1996. Look at the road the Giants have taken to arrive here, first of all they basically dominate a good Falcons club. Then they travel to Green Bay and knock off the defending champions at Lambeau. Then they travel out west and take out a very, very strong 49ers team in their place. Talk about battle tested. I expect them to win this game outright. I will however gladly take the points. I think Vegas will lose money this year on the side bets but don't feel too badly for them, they'll come out just fine with the props as always. Now, please don't get crazy here guys. It's a Triple Star and we've been killing them but please bet it like always, no more. You're big guys and you'll do what you want. I'm just saying, it's one game. Please don't get caught up in the moment and over extend yourself. I've been involved in sports betting for four decades and have obviously seen a lot. Okay, there it is fellas. Triple Star Release on the New York Giants. Many sincere thanks as always and best of luck to us. Enjoy the game! Paid and confirmed. Spartan has been absolutely killing the NFL lately...

[goirish]

DCI CBB

Season
Straight Up: 2802-862 (.765)
ATS: 1127-1270 (.470)
ATS Vary Units: 3383-4067 (.454)
Over/Under: 1182-1208 (.495)
Over/Under Vary Units: 1437-1421 (.503)

Atlantic Coast Conference
DUKE 81, Miami (Fla.) 69
Big East Conference
PITTSBURGH 75, Villanova 69
West Virginia 75, PROVIDENCE 70
Big Ten Conference
ILLINOIS 68, Northwestern 60
MICHIGAN STATE 66, Michigan 58
Minnesota vs. NEBRASKA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Horizon League
Cleveland State 65, UIC 55
Youngstown State 60, LOYOLA (CHICAGO) 56
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
FAIRFIELD 68, Siena 57
Loyola (Md.) 66, SAINT PETER'S 55
RIDER 79, Niagara 71
Southland Conference
McNEESE STATE 60, Stephen F. Austin 56

[goirish]

DCI NBA

Season
Straight Up: 228-108 (.679)
ATS: 182-171 (.516)
ATS Vary Units: 534-482 (.526)
Over/Under: 166-181 (.478)
Over/Under Vary Units: 396-469 (.458)

BOSTON 89, Memphis 87
MIAMI 103, Toronto 87

[goirish]

DCI NHL

Season: 248-182 (.577)

Boston vs. WASHINGTON: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Pittsburgh vs. NEW JERSEY: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
N.Y. RANGERS 3, Philadelphia 2
MONTREAL 3, Winnipeg 2