This week, take a deeper look at the two teams that have gone deep into the postseason en route to Super Bowl XLII inside Glendale, Arizona’s University of Phoenix Stadium.

The Super Match Up:

New York Giants v. New England Patriots

Sunday, Feb. 3 @ 6 p.m.

Lookin’ Good:

Patriots Defense – The Pats defense – oft labeled as too old, too slow, and too vulnerable – proved naysayers wrong Sunday. With the Chargers knockin’ on the redzone door three times, the Pats D held the Chargers to just three field goals – four in the entire game – and intercepted Philip Rivers twice on the day.

Giants Offense – In the game against the Packers, the Giants offense came up big, with QB Eli Manning passing for 254 yards with no interceptions, finding a big target in WR Plaxico Burress (11 catches, 154 yards receiving). Moreover, the Giants’ backfield duo shined with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw each rushing for 60-plus yards and one TD apiece.

Seen Better Days:

Patriots Offense – QB Tom Brady had an uncharacteristic outing, throwing three interceptions. What's more, star wideout Randy Moss (1 reception, 14 yards) wasn’t a factor in the Pats' offense for the second straight week.

Kicker Laurence Tynes – Granted, Tynes sealed the Giants’ victory with a 47-yard FG in OT, but let’s not forget that Tynes missed two field goals from 36 and 43 yards out in regulation that would’ve helped put the Packers away earlier. Perhaps the Giants had luck on their side against the Packers, but don’t expect missed field goals to fly when facing the Patriots.

Keep an Eye On:

Patriots running game – The secret is out. The key to making the Patriots sweat is to limit Randy Moss’ touches, which the Jaguars and Chargers have done successfully in the past two weeks. After racking up 122 yards rushing twice in as many postseason games, look for RB Laurence Maroney to balance the Patriots' offensive attack and keep the Giants defense honest.

QB Eli Manning – Will the real Eli Manning please stand up? In his four years in the NFL (not to mention this season), Manning has gone on some kind of ride – of the roller coaster sort. Manning has had his share of mistakes (leading the league with 20 interceptions in the regular season). However, since a breakthrough performance in Week 16 - against the Patriots no less - the young Manning has yet to throw an interception through three games.

Edge:

The Patriots. Not too long ago, the Giants nearly pulled off an upset back in Week 16 while facing the undefeated Patriots. But that’s just it. The Giants almost put the game away. The Giants came close to marring the Patriots’ perfect season. Bottom line is that almost doesn't count, and the Pats ultimately prevailed 38-35.