02:25 PM ET  02.02 | The Game of the Century

Obviously, you all know the game I am talking about. Super Bowl XLII from Glendale/Tempe/ Phoenix/, Arizona. The New England Patriots versus the New York Giants. I'm labeling this, "The Game of the Century." Considering that the century is only a mere 8 years old, can you really argue with me? If you want proof here you go...

NHL- Who the hell cares, right? That's the common assumption shared among general sports fans. Personally, I like the game, but can not point out one specific moment from the century that sticks out. Were you expecting Game 7 of the Stanley Cup between the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers? Sorry, doesn't quite make the cut.

NBA- The post Michael Jordan of the NBA has had its mountains and valleys, with a lot of hardship and struggle to regain its once undeniable prominence. Recently, the integrity of the game was questioned. In this decade star players have been involved in legal mishaps, and the "thuggish" atmosphere has increased. While still entertaining, basketball doesn't yet have the fan base it once had. Only one NBA Finals has reached the full 7 games. Unlike Jordan's Game 6(s), or the tenacious Lakers/Celtics game, no singular game has captured the nation in the 2000's.

MLB- In this century/decade, the MLB has regained its position as the #2 sport in America. Rivalries have been renewed (Red Sox/Yanks, Phillies/Mets, Dodgers/Giants, Cubs/Cardinals), curses have been broken (Red Sox (2) and White Sox). Controversy has ruled, but nonetheless, the game is rewarded substantial attention. However, when coming down to a defining game, can you choose one from the 2000's. 3 of the 8 World Series have been sweep, and only 2 have reached a seventh game. The Diamondbacks/Yankees was great, but was the anticipation beforehand as intense or hyped up as any Super Bowl? No. The Red Sox performance against the Yankees in 2004, by coming behind from 3 games down was incredible. But again, the Game 4 pre-game publicity was dead. No one expected that. So, in conclusion the other 3 sports can not really contend with football. With all respect to some truly tremendous games, and teams, it's just not the same.

NFL- In America, the NFL rules all. The Super Bowl is always the highest rated television program of the year. People who never watch a game all year, or are totally unfamiliar with the sport tune in for Super Bowl Sunday. It's a mesmerizing event. The countless hours devoted to all-out and sometimes silly coverage all week before the game. The ridiculously long game day shows that start as early as 8 in the morning. Remember, the game doesn't start until well after 6 o'clock. The asinine pre-game ceremonies that last longer than the 1st half. The actual game finally arrives, and people must be wiped out. After a usually exciting 2 quarters, we endure another dragged on
Do I sound cynical and angry? I hope not, because I love it all. Except halftime. The final half is to die for, with emotional, and desperate fans, just wanting it all to be over. The post-game rituals are once again, incredibly intriguing. This is what the whole year is for!

So, really, when naming a, "Game of the Century," you have to go with the NFL. This will be the 9th Super Bowl of the century, so that leaves 8 others to beat it. Nothing against the winners, but Colts/Bears, Steelers/Seahawks, Giants/Ravens, and Bucs/Raiders were not once in a lifetime games. The Patriots versus the Eagles and Panthers in SB 38 and 39 (screw Roman numerals at this point) were good but not great. That leaves Rams/Pats, and Rams/Titans left on the list. Rams against the Patriots in 2002 was everything you could want from a football game. Following 9/11, the team unity showed by both teams, especially the Patriots was teary eye worthy. The game itself was decided on a nail-biting, last second field goal, and of course, we all know the outcome. However, going into the game, the Rams were expected to blow the Patriots out of the water. Seriously, the line was like 17 points. I remember a total of 2 non-New England fans picking them to win. With apologies, that game is close, but not at the same level. The Rams vs. Titans match-up was anticipated due to the fact, that the Rams were so freaking good. Still, at that time the new century had just dawned, and the markets involved in that game, are not close to this years. Both unrivaled, great, historical, meetings but fall just short to this one.

So in terms of importance, pre-game festivities/hype/controversy/undivided attention, this Super Bowl is the biggest to date. It's hard to put aside the significance of this game. There are only two outcomes to the game. The Patriots win, complete a perfect season, face less controversy than deserved, go down as the greatest team of all-time. The Giants win, it becomes the biggest upset in the history of football (not in terms on betting line), recognized as lucky/hot at right time, but go down in history just the same.


Biggest Storylines
-Perfection: No team has ever gone 19-0. No team has ever gone 18-0. But...without a perfect season capped off with a Super Bowl win, it is all for nothing. I would recognize the team as a failure. A non-successful team. It's just that big of a game. The Patriots don't want to let that happen.
-Tom Brady's non-injured, injured ankle: Come on, gimme a break. This is why the 2 week break before the actual game is sometimes bad. Crazy, miniscule stories become the talk of the day or week in Brady's case. Brady was coming off a ankle injury in the 2002 AFC Championship Game. What happened in Super Bowl XXXVI? The Patriots won.
-Plaxico's prediction: Another story blown way out of context. I take Plax's prediction just as that, not a guarantee. And, yes, to me there is a difference. If you ask any player on either team, is that player going to say he thinks his respective team will lose? No. You are just not going to see that happen. Plax was just relaying his prediction, after millions of people in the country have done the same this week. He didn't blatantly diss the Patriots, and guarantee, it was just a prediction.
-Eli Manning: Skittish, baby, pansy, terrible, timid, and awful were just a few words formerly used to describe Manning. Not anymore. He has earned a 8 month grace period from me.
-Giants Improbability: If you were to tell me back in Week 2 that the Giants would defeat the Bucs, Cowboys, and Packers, all on the road, to get to the Super Bowl, I probably would of shot you. Or called you the biggest liar ever. Or just left the conversation completely. After the end of the regular season, if you were to say that, I would have had the same reaction. No way! But it has happened, despite the odds, and the Giants deserve this SB berth.
-Coaching: Both have pretty bland personalities. In the Super Bowl it will be the battle of the hoody vs. the battle of the many shaded faces.
-SpyGate: Totally overlooked. Until the Senator from Pennsylvania, Arlen Spector brought something to Roger Goodell's attention. Now, I know Spector because he is from my state of Pennsylvania. Also, he calls into sports talk radio 610 WIP from time to time. I applaud him for what he is doing. It is kind of fishy how the tapes were destroyed. Possible conspiracy? Who knows, I just think people should bring up the fact that the Patriots are freaking cheaters.
-Betting: The line for the game started at 13, and people thought the books were not giving the Giants enough credit. Sure enough, the spread, in most places, has moved down to 11.5. A lot considering the Patriots have not blown anyone out in the past 2 months. The Giants lost by a mere 3 points in Week 17. The way the Giants are playing right now. That will be the most betted bet (???). Here are some other interesting props. The one I hate is whether a player will have an odd or even amount of yards. It's like playing a painstaking 4 hour round of Russian roulette. Eli Manning (according to the odds) is expected to throw 1 touchdown, and Brady 3.

Let me get this straight: I hate both teams. If you asked me to devise a list of my most hated teams in all of sports it would go like this.
1. New York Giants
1a. Dallas Cowboys
3. New England Patriots
So there, I am not being biased in my projections of this game.

When Patriots have the ball

The Patriots have the top scoring offense of all time, and arguably the best all around O the league has ever seen. I mean, with a team that has Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, Ben Watson, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, Jabar Gaffney, and that offensive line, well one can only expect greatness. And let me mention the guys on the offensive line. Nick Kaczur, Matt Light, Stephen Neal, Logan Mankins, and Dan Koppen. Got to give them props. The Patriots would seriously not be the team they are with an average offensive line. But, for this team, you could say that about any position or player, because all of them have contributed to this historical season. Anyway...Brady has been here before, he knows every possible situation and every possible scheme the Giants will throw at him. I think the ankle will be a non-issue.

Match-ups
Patriots O-Line versus Giants D-Line: Push
This battle up front will be even, with the Giants pushing the Pats back 3 times for sacks, and a few more hurries. Osi Umenyora is a great pass rusher, but dealing with the likes of the Patriots may stifle his game a bit. Don't forget about Kevin Faulk, the RB, who is very capable of picking up blitzing defenders, or pass rushers off the ends. Don't be too worried about the Giants takles; it's the DE's that provide trouble.

Patriot's Running backs/Fullback/Brady versus Giants Linebackers: Pats Slightly
Laurence Maroney has turned it on recently, and so has Kevin Faulk. Maroney looks like a real big guy, but he's really not. He can still pound it up the middle, or take it to the outside. Kevin Faulk a typical Patriot. Not always flashy, not always with the best stats, but he flat out does whatever job needs to be accomplished. Whether it is blocking, screens, running, or leadership, Faulk is a quintessential player from this soon to be dynasty. Antonio Pierce is the stud of the Giants line backing group. Him and his teammates will be semi-effective in shutting down the running game. However, when it is up to Brady throwing the ball, the Giants could look confused and out of place. Brady throws about as many hand signals, gesture, and BS audibles at the line, like Peyton Manning. By the way, Kawika Mitchell has a really cool name.

Patriot's receivers versus Giants secondary: Pats
Recently, the Giants secondary has been playing way over its head. Who could have expected the great performance shown by rookie Aaron Ross? Still, Brady and Moss did set unbelievable records against these same guys. Don't expect a thorough and complete beat down, but it won't be pretty.

When Giants have the ball
Look, I don't like Eli Manning. BUT...he has played incredible in the postseason. Manning has done exactly what is required of him, don't turn the ball over and make the occasional big play. Looking like Peyton for real, in just these playoffs. But a pessimistic view that I have, is all good things must come to an end (if you're not the Pats). Ahmad Bradshaw is an interesting character. He seems to be the real deal. His quickness, and ability to make people miss are the makings of a great running back. Then, the Giants are able to switch it up, and bring in Brandon Jacobs, a big bruiser.

Match-ups
Giants O-Line versus Patriots D-Line: Even
Even though it is a bunch of no-namers for the Giants, they still have a decent O-Line. Manning has had a lot of time in the playoffs. The 3-4 defense the Patriots bring has to bring blitzes from line backers if they want to disrupt Manning. Vince Wilfork, and Richard Seymour are good, but they will not be the difference in the game.

Giants Running backs/Fullback/Manning versus Patriot's Line backers: Giants
I really like the Giants running backs as much as an Eagles fan can. Bradshaw and Jacobs are able to switch the styles up real good, if used correctly. Both must receive about 14 rushes apiece in my opinion for the Giants to stay in the game. The one intangible the Patriots have is Junior Seau. Seau seems absolutely fired up for this game, and will not let a Super Bowl slip out of his grasps.

Giants Wide Receivers versus Patriots Secondary: Pats Slightly
This Plax injury is a bit iffy. He seemed fine in the entire playoffs, but now he has been held out of practice? Probably a not a big deal thing like Brady, but you never know. Most likely, Plaxico Burress will be matched up with Asante Samuel. Expect the two to battle all night long, with both sides emerging at difference times. I expect two picks from the Patriots in this game, and Samuel is always a threat. Amani Toomer and Steve Smith against the other Patriots corners are evenly matched. Rodney Harrison is an dirty yet elite safety who will also have an big impact. Oh yeah, poor Jeremy Shockey. NOT!

Will Week 17 Matter?

Yes and no. The way I look at it, the score could have been 38-21 instead of 38-35. Why? The Giants had a kickoff return for a touchdown in that game. That will not happen in this one. That play was pure luck from a special teams that has been lacking all year. In this grand stage, don't expect a Hester-like play from a year ago. Also, a late, tack-on touchdown was added by the Giants, in Week 17's match-up. Both coaching staffs (I'm not totally sure that Bill Bellichick hasn't just stayed up for the past, like, 146 hours analyzing, and preparing) will extract some help from the game tape, but nothing of great significance.

It is uncanny how many people have convinced themselves into taking the Giants in this one.

Deciding Factors-Weather: People seem to ignore this factor. When the Patriots were lighting teams up it was in the first half of the season when the weather was warm. When it got to November/December/January the games got closer as the weather decreased. It is not supposed to be blazing during the game, but considerably warmer than New England.
-Coaching: Genius vs. way over his head. Enough said.
-Brady is Brady: This is his 4th time around the block, so don't expect a choke job from him. You may want to look out for the other guy, he may need the Heimlich before the end of the game.
-Randy Moss: After being shut down for much of the playoffs, Moss will not allow that in the Super Bowl.
-Destiny: A team that is this blessed in recent years, and blessed with this incredible team just can't lose.
-Pressure: All the pressure is on the Patriots. It is monumental pressure. They have been here before, so they should be OK, not great, with the demands of the world. The Giants have nothing to lose is what is commonly being said. But they do have something to lose, the biggest game in the world. So, I see it working both ways.
-Turnovers: As always, whoever has the most turnovers will probably lose the game. It's good that the Patriots have playmaker Asante Samuel in the secondary. Don't sleep on Aaron Ross though.
-Kicking: Second-year player Stephen Gotzkowski has been fine all season, but has not had many opportunities to kick the long one. We all know he is know Adam Vinatieri, so there could be some worry here. However, Lawrence Tynes of the Giants is nothing special. In the NFC Championship Game he missed two kicks to win the game, before finally hitting the third. Will he fold again? Slight edge to Pats.
-Motivation: Actor, Omar Epps, described the game perfectly on ESPN.com. The Patriots are on the verge of making history. What better motivation can one need?

Prediction: New England Patriots 34 , New York Giants 17.

Who knows if this game will close, or interesting? As seen by my prediction, I certainly don't think it will be. Either way, "The Game of the Century," will be truly historical.