Super Bowl XLVI Cheat Sheet

We've said it before, and we'll say it again. The way to a man's heart is through the score, not his stomach. Your 15-layer nacho dip won't be enough to hold you on Super Bowl Sunday. If you want to be noticed, you need to have perspective. Check out our Super Bowl XLVI cheat sheet below before taking your position on the couch on Sunday at 6:30pm EST.

Why the New York Giants can win:

• Two words: Eli Manning. He’s the only QB to win five post-game games on the road. He’s also hot right now.
•  The defensive line is nothing to be trifled with. It includes Osi Umenyiora, Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck. Their combined mass probably exceeds that of the entire Pats organization. The Patriots have the second worst defense in the league and defense wins championships. Well, not really, but run with the cliché, anyway.
• Victor Cruz. Not only is he a lovely salsa dancer, but he can catch a ball or two, as well. 

Why the New England Patriots can win:

• Tall, strong and fast never fails. The Patriots have two weapons in tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, if Gronkowski plays (high ankle sprain). But, if he doesn’t, at least he’ll be remembered for being that kind of guy who will always give you the shirt off of his back. 
• Tom Brady has to be fuming. He’s coming off his worst playoff game performance, and his ego couldn’t possibly take the shame of a repeat performance. He’s going to bring his A game. Wife Gisele is bringing her prayer game. 
• As much as people tout the Giants D-Line, the Patriots O-Line is right there to protect their prized QB and his hair.
• Finally, the Patriots have a chip on their shoulder from their 2007 Super Bowl loss to the Giants, ruining their perfect season, so they’ll be looking for payback. And, you know what they say, revenge is a dish best served five years later.

What to Contribute to the Conversation:

Nothing impresses a man, like a woman with an insightful and relevant sports nugget. 
Here goes:

Tight ends are becoming a much more important position in the NFL, compared to years ago. In 2011, 5 of the 15 players with the most receptions were tight ends. (We’d make good use of those hard bodies who are good with their hands, too.) Teams like the Pats, who have great ones, are at an advantage, because opposing teams have no real defensive response for them, other than to try to recruit bigger safetys, and they don’t exactly come a dime a dozen. 

For more on this topic, visit the NFL.com.