New York Giants



Memories of Super Bowl XLII have been evoked all week, which marks the last time these storied franchises met in a competitive matchup.

Back then, the Patriots were gunning for immortality and a perfect 19-0 season, while the Giants caught lightning in a bottle. They became the "road warriors" that would derail Tom Brady with their trademark pass rush, en route to lifting the Lombardi Trophy.

Although the quarterbacks and head coaches remain the same, much has changed since 2008.

The Giants now run a pass-heavy offense, led by Eli Manning, whose maturation into elite quarterback status is almost complete. He ought to have a field day against a Patriots defense that ranks dead last in the NFL, who were victimized by the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend.

Tom Brady is still smarting from that loss and you can be sure his offense will bite back in what promises to be a high-scoring encounter at Gillette Stadium.

New York is likely to be without their starting running back (Ahmad Bradshaw, broken foot) and top wide receiver (Hakeem Nicks, hamstring) at the very least. Their top pass-rusher, Jason Pierre-Paul, continues his recovery from a concussion, while cornerback Prince Amukamara is questionable for his pro debut.

For the Patriots, Bill Belichick will be eager to send star middle linebacker Jerod Mayo (MCL sprain) back into the fray after the team's coverage and tackling issues in recent weeks. The giants have been one of the Patriots' largest rivals