Super Bowl 2012: Predictions and Betting Odds

The Super Bowl is little more than an hour away.

When the New York Giants take on the New England Patirots at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, it will be another example of the underdog Giants trying to play spoiler to the Patriots.

Overall, it's been a typically stellar season for the Patriots. New England breezed into the playoffs with a 13-3 regular-season record, and their presence in the Super Bowl feels somewhat overdue and expected.

The Giants, on the other hand, surprised many critics by winning the NFC title, proving that a November losing streak may not mean much when you play your best football in the winter. By Dec. 4, the Giants had lost four straight games and had just a 6-6 record, but fought back the rest of the way off an improved defense and offensive line.

LINE: The Patriots are favored by 2.5 points

OVER/UNDER: 55 points.

IBTIMES PREDICTION: The Giants have been somewhat of a Cinderella story this season, and probably have the momentum going into the game with their gut-wrenching win over the 49ers. On both sides of the ball, the Giants have overachieved, so they will be the looser team on Sunday. But New England goes into this game with an offense that is more complete and has been more desperate to succeed. Expect Tom Brady to be particularly sharp, and spread the offense to multiple targets, while leading a steady charge throughout the game. This will be a tight game, but New England should edge the Giants with a stronger fourth-quarter effort. In the end, the Patriots want this game a little more, and they appear less likely to commit mistakes.

IBTIMES PREDICTED SCORE: Patriots over Giants, 28-24

Here are predictions from ESPN experts:

Mike Golic: Giants, 24-20

Merril Hoge: Giants, 27-20

Ron Jaworski: Giants, 27-21

Chris Mortensen: Giants, 34-24

Adam Schefter: Patriots, 27-16

John Clayton: Patriots, 24-20

Tedy Bruschi: Patriots, 27-24

Colin Cowherd: Patriots, 28-27

Jerry Rice: Giants, 28-21

Jon Gruden: Patriots, 30-27