It’s the one weekend a year where everyone is a football fan, and the NFL reigns supreme over everything.  Not even the primary elections can compete with the attention that the Superbowl will get over the next few days.  Even today’s Friday Five is all about this year’s Superbowl matchup between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants.  The Patriots, coming in at 18-0, are trying to become the only team to go undefeated and win the Superbowl since the Miami Dolphins did it in 1972.  The Giants will be trying to pull off the upset and complete a magical run through the postseason.  And, being that we are a New York based company, guess who I’ll be rooting for?

TOP FIVE REASONS THE GIANTS WILL PULL OFF THE UPSET

1. Eli Manning has no idea where he is.  I think it is pretty clear when you watch Eli Manning speak that he is lost to the world.  Now most people might think that would hurt his chances on Sunday.  I beg to differ.  He has an uncanny ability to remain calm and cool in pressure situations, never showing too much emotion.  That will help him control the game against a sterling Patriots defense.

2. Tom Brady broke a bone in his foot (I suspect).  I know we have all seen the video and heard the news by now.  Tom Brady has been wearing a walking cast on his foot over the last week or so.  He has been very limited in practice, and even though he will most likely play, it is very probable that his injury will limit his effectiveness this weekend.

3. Week 17.  In the final game of the regular season, the Giants just missed an opportunity to end the Patriots run at perfection.  Now, they get a chance to do it again.  Now they are more confident and have more experience facing Tom Brady and the Patriots offense.  This will prove to be valuable and could increase their odds of success this time around.

4. Spygate.  Back in week 2, the Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick got caught cheating by “spying” on the other team’s sideline to learn signals and play calls.  Now, even though the NFL basically dismissed this with a minor slap on the wrist, the football gods took notice.  There is no way that they would allow the greatest season in history to be marked with an asterisk.  So, that is why this will not go down as the greatest season in history, but as the biggest upset of all time.

5. Heart.  Let’s face it, even given the fact that the Patriots are playing for perfection, the Giants have to want this win more.  They have not been to the Superbowl since 2000 and have not won it since 1990.  The Patriots, on the other hand, have won it 3 times in 6 years.  Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning, Michael Strahan and the group must finally be feeling that this is their time and it will show on the field.

If you are lucky enough, or rich enough, to be attending this game, you will be sure to witness one of the best Superbowls ever.  For the rest of us sitting at home or at the bar, watching it on the big screens and diving into our (insert Superbowl party food here) will have to do.  Either way, I’m excited!