<!--StartFragment-->

There is a ton of pressure on the Patriots coming into Super Bowl Sunday. They have a chance to become The Perfect Team, but in many ways, they have more to lose on this game than any team has on a single contest inhistory.

Meanwhile,when it comes to the Giants, who would have thought that they'd make it this far? Out of all of the playoff teams, coming into wildcard weekend, there was not one team that looked as vulnerable as the Giants. Even though they put up a solid effort against the Patriots in their last regular season tilt, there weren't many out there that thought they could compete under pressure of the postseason scope.

Of course, pressure will not defeat a Patriot team that may very well be one of the best in history. However, having the pressure fall on the New England squad will help the Giants, and in particular, Eli Manning.

When Peyton's younger brother threw four picks against Minnesota in week 12, it was only natural to presume that when faced with high expectations, Archie's boywould fold.

And really there's some truth to that. Sure, there's been pressure on Eli in the playoffs, but has anyone once thought that the Giants would win any of theirthree games? People are expecting Manning to fail, and in a way the Giants teamas a whole has been thriving on that.

In fact, Manning has yet to throw the mistake ball in the postseason as of yet that seemed to doom Big Blue to another disapointing first round loss, or perhaps not even making the playoffs. Eli has thrown four touchdowns, and thrown three less interceptions than the man that Associated Press has dubbed "The dimple-chinned quarterback with the winning smile."

Obviously,the Giants will be a huge underdog coming into the big game. However, with the emergence of rookie wide receiver, Steve Smith, and the fantastic play of Plaxico Burress, who has to be consider one of the top five wide recievers in the league after his domination of Al Harris last weekend, the Giants offense will be well rounded. With the emergence of the speedster Ahmad Bradshaw, and the continued tough running of Brandon Jacobs, the Patriots will have their hands full.

Withthe pressure that the Giants defensive line has continually shown this year,especially by pro-bowler Osi Umenyiora. Look for the Giants to try to make the Patriots a one dimensional team. If they can force Tom Brady into rushed throws, we may see him throw another three interceptions.

Rightnow the Partriots look like they're playing not to lose, whereas the Giants seem to be playing like they have nothing to lose: A sure recipe for an upset, and the opportunity for Eli to match his older brother in rings.