There's a football contest taking place Sunday evening, perhaps you've heard of it? OK, no jokes, keep it simple, stupid. Everything you need to know (and a lot you don't) about Super Bowl XVLI:
Game time: 6:20 eastern
Network: NBC (pre-game coverage starts at noon)
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
The teams: the New York Giants, playing in their fifth Super Bowl, looking for their fourth title; and the New England Patriots, playing in their seventh Super Bowl, also looking for their fourth title
The line: Patriots by 3 (the line opened at Patriots by 3.5)
The over/under: 54
The players: The Giants are led by quarterback Eli Manning, as well as a stout defensive line featuring Osi Yumenyiora, Justin Tuck, and Jason Pierre-Paul. The Patriots are led by Tom Brady, who guides an explosive offensive centered around tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and wide receiver Wes Welker.
The coaches:Tom Coughlin leads the Giants; he won a title with the team four years ago when they beat the Patriots. Bill Belichick leads the Patriots; he's won three Super Bowls. Both Coughlin and Belichick were assistants on the Giants team that won Super Bowl XXV.
The players' wives and girlfriends:Hot
Some fun, you-ain't-gotta-know-jack-about-football prop bets: Over/under on aircraft used in the pre-game flyover: 4.5; Over/under on appearances made by Peyton Manning during the telecast: 4.5; Over/under on how long it will take Kelly Clarkson to sing the national anthem: 94.5 seconds
This editor's pick: Giants, 37-27
