Who better to ask about which team will win the 2012 Super Bowl (XLVI) -- between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots -- than sports celebrities and legends?
We all have our favorites in sporting events. But when it comes to gambling, placing a bet on a particular individual or team's performance, we sometimes want an expert opinion. Not just from professional oddsmakers. Sometimes we want to hear the opinions of guys who have played the game or been part of a competitive league, someone that has felt the pressure of big games or important sporting events.
Among the extensive listing that Scripps Howard news service put together of celebrities picking who they think might come out on top in the Giants-Patriots match-up, there were quite a few current sports greats and a few legends. Here's a sampling and which team they thought will be victorious.
Picking the New England Patriots to win:
Jack Nicklaus, Hall of Fame golfer: New England, 31-28. "How many games have the Patriots lost? Three. How many games have the Giants lost? Seven. I realize the Giants are hot right now, but over the course of a season I think the Patriots have performed better and I like their body of work."
*** Of course, reminding Mr. Nicklaus of the 2008 Super Bowl, where the Patriots had lost no games and the Giants had lost six might have simply caused an argument.
Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics captain: New England, 35-17. "It all starts and ends with Tom Brady, but he will have support and contributions from many teammates. The defense will surprise a lot of people, too."
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver: New England. "The Redskins whooped the Giants twice so if they won it would make me feel good as a Redskins fan, but I think the Patriots will win, barely, by 3 or 4 points."
Michelle Kwan, Olympic skating star: New England, 31-24. "Guaranteed. Tom Brady was not happy with his performance against the Ravens and is more than going to make up for it on Sunday."
Former Super Bowl MVPs and San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young, as well as former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason picked the Patriots as well.
Picking the New York Giants to win:
Arnold Palmer, Hall of Fame golfer, 2003 Super Sage Award winner (awarded to celebrity predicting winner and closest Super Bowl score): New York, 28-17. "Eli Manning is feeling his oats. I think he will have a good game in the Super Bowl."
Yogi Berra, Hall of Fame catcher for the New York Yankees: New York, 23-20. "Better defense should be the difference."
*** And remember that if the game is close, the old Berraism applies: "It ain't over till it's over."
John McEnroe, Hall of Fame tennis star: New York, 24-21.
Mark Cuban, owner of Dallas Mavericks, 2011 NBA Champions: New York, 38-31.
Danica Patrick, race car driver: New York, 34-31. "The Giants have been on a roll; confidence and momentum are important in any sport."
Justin Verlander, AL MVP, Cy Young Award winner, Detroit Tigers: New York, 21-17.
******
It should be noted that those choosing the New York Giants were less likely to explain themselves. Sort of a less talk, more action, no-nonsense, straight conviction approach. A lot like the attitude of the city itself...
For those who want a more professional opinion, Vegas.com tracks betting lines and sees the Patriots favored by 2.5 to 3 points.
But picks and betting aside, what is predicted and hoped for are often quite different than what actually occurs. And that is why we watch the game itself.
The 2012 Super Bowl will be broadcast on NBC Television, live from Indianapolis, on Sunday, Feb. 5. The game begins at 6:20 p.m. EST.
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