National Football League

Super Bowl expert predictions

Published Feb. 2, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

It's the big question: Who's going to win the Super Bowl?

With kickoff getting closer, our team of NFL experts gives you their predictions for the big game. As you can see, there's not a lot of faith in the Patriots.

Think they got it wrong? Sound off in the comments area below.

SUPER BOWL EXPERT PICKS

FOXSPORTS.COM NFL INSIDERS	SCORE	COMMENT
Jay Glazer Senior NFL writer	27-24	I'd be more sure of this if Belichick and Brady didn't have two weeks' time to gameplan and prepare. I do think the Giants wide receivers will be the X-factor in my prediction.
Alex Marvez Senior NFL writer	27-24	New England's defense has held up surprisingly well in the postseason, but the three-receiver set that the Giants present is too formidable. The uncertain status of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski also works to New York's advantage.
Jason Whitlock National columnist	28-20	Eli Manning defends the Manning name in the House That Peyton Built. Giants control the game from start to finish.
Mark Kriegel National columnist	24-21	If you make it to the Super Bowl with a nickelback named Edelman, you’ve had a great year. But I trust Bill Belichick’s kinder, gentler self even less than his previous incarnation as the evil genius behind Spygate. In other words, when he talks of how wonderfully Rob Gronkowski’s ankle is coming along, I don’t buy it. Smashmouth beats smoke and mirrors, but not by much.
Mike Pereira NFL on FOX analyst	28-20	Eleven total penalties. Giants fortunate to beat a San Francisco team that would've been easily handled by the Patriots.
John Czarnecki Senior NFL writer	27-24	Finally convinced Eli is elite! But it helps that the defense is totally healthy and happy. Brady will feel the rush and he will miss the injured Gronkowski when it counts most — the second half.
Adam Schein NFL contributor	31-27	They have won five straight elimination games. Eli Manning is clutch and they have great match-ups with their receivers against the Pats defensive backs. The Giants pass rush will fluster Tom Brady. It is Tom Coughlin's year.
Peter Schrager NFL contributor	30-21	I think the Giants' front four, finally healthy, will get to Tom Brady early and often, I think Rob Gronkowski’s ankle is a lot worse than the Patriots are giving off, and I think Eli Manning’s in a "zone" similar to the ones that Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees were in during their past two Super Bowl runs.
John Lynch NFL contributor	31-28	I believe the Giants are the more complete team, are more battle-tested (second toughest schedule in 2012) and playing the best football as a team. Eli's played as well or better than any quarterback in the NFL over the last six weeks and has been awesome! Their ability to put consistent pressure on Tom Brady without having to blitz — but rather blitzing when they choose to — is huge. Nonetheless, it will take a "supreme effort" on the Giants part and I expect a tough, hard-fought game that goes right down to the end.
Nancy Gay Senior NFL editor	30-28	Tom Brady isn’t a runner and needs pocket space to plant and make his throws. The Giants’ active pass rush will work to limit his ability to find Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez downfield, and that should keep the Patriots’ top-ranked offense in check. The Giants’ trio of wideouts, Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, present huge matchup problems for the Pats’ 31st-ranked pass defense.
Ross Jones NFL editor	41-20	The Patriots' offense is a machine. Even if Gronk is limited with the ankle injury, Brady will pick apart the Giants’ secondary. Belichick and Brady, with two weeks to game plan, equals a fourth Lombardi Trophy for the duo.
Sid Saraf NFL editor	31-24	The Giants might be on fire, but are people forgetting the Patriots have won 10 straight? Tom Brady won't stop now. Gronkowski is hurting, but look for Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and a surprise contributor (Ochocinco?) to come up huge. New England's D isn't great, but will do enough to secure the Pats' place in history.