TWO WEEKS – There’s no question in mind that Bill Belichick is the best coach in the league as far as preparing for an opponent and coming up with customized game plan to maximize the Pats’ opportunities to expose an opponent’s weaknesses.  With the extra week to get ready for the Giants and having already been familiar with them in a Nov 6 matchup it is scary to think what the Jedi mind master comes up with for this tilt.

TOM BRADY – A win would give Brady a record 17th post-season victory and tie him for the all-time lead at quarterback with four Super Bowl rings. Need I say more?

REVENGE – Though Belichick and Brady would never admit it, the taste of the Giants beating them in Super Bowl XLII and spoiling their crack at an unblemished 19-0 season still eats at them.  Nothing would satisfy the Pats and their fans more to topple the Giants this time around.

TIGHT ENDS – The Patriots’ two-headed monster at tight end of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have had their way with opponents all season, including combining for 12 catches, 136 yards and two touchdowns against New York last time out.

OFFENSIVE LINE – New England’s offensive line has gotten better as the year has gone on and have been key in the Pats’ prolific passing attack. The unit will need to have one of its best performances of the season if they are going to prevail on Sunday.

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