The pick

Before we get to the Super Bowl pick, keep in mind I reserve the right to change my mind before kickoff, pending further news on Tom Brady's ankle, Plaxico Burress' knee, Randy Moss' legal status, or any unforeseen Eugene Robinson-type incidents.

With that disclaimer out of the way, I see this game playing out in a much less exciting fashion than many are anticipating. Or at least exciting in the exploding-scoreboard manner that pushed the total to 54. I just don't see a repeat of the 38-35 slugfest in Week 17. Both teams have been dominant on the ground in the postseason, and even though the weather will be nice and the conditions will be perfect on Sunday, I can't see either team abandoning what's been working the last month or so.

But beyond their recent success on the ground, both teams have another good reason to emphasize the running game on offense. The Giants want to chew up clock and keep the ball away from the Patriots' quick-strike offense, which is loaded with playmakers like none we've seen since the 1999 Rams. And the Pats should do everything it can to keep its aging defense off the field, giving it enough rest to stay fresh and handle heavy doses of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.

That said, the Patriots will have a handful of big plays, enough to counter anything the Giants throw at them, and I can't see the dream season coming to an end. Let's call it Patriots 30, Giants 20, with Tom Brady winning the MVP award and the trip to Disneyworld. Let's just hope he leaves the boot at home and brings Giselle.