2012 Super Bowl TV Ratings: NFL's Big Game Sets Viewership Record

The overall TV ratings for the 2012 Super Bowl may not have beaten last year's or halftime-show performer Madonna, but the thrilling contest between the New York Giants and New England Patriots did set a new viewership record with 111.3 million average viewers.

Reported earlier Monday, the Super Bowl received a overnight rating of 47.8 rating, which was down a tenth of last year's (47.9).

The Giants ended up edging the Patriots, 21-17, to claim their second Super Bowl title in five years and fourth overall. The Patriots failed to avenge a loss to the Giants in the '08 Super Bowl, which featured New England losing 17-14.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2013 Super Bowl Odds: Washington Redskins 125-1 Long Shot

The 2011-12 NFL season is officially over, as the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots, 21-17, in Super Bowl 2012 Sunday. That means one thing Monday, the '12-13 season begins! And the Washington Redskins are currently getting long-shot odds (125-1) to win the 2013 Super Bowl, according to Las Vegas's MGM Grand's sports book.

The Redskins (5-11) of course finished the regular season last in the NFC East and will need a lot to go right if they're to pull off a turnaround miraculous enough to earn a Super Bowl title.

As for the the defending champions, the Giants, they're getting little love from the oddsmakers who have them as 8-1 favorites, which are behind the Patriots (5-1), Green Bay Packers (11-2), Pittsburgh Steelers (6-1) and Philadelphia Eagles (6-1).

The Dallas Cowboys are listed in the middle of the pack at 20-1.

Here's the complete list:

New England Patriots    5-1
Green Bay Packers      11-2
Pittsburgh Steelers     6-1
Philadelphia Eagles     6-1
New York Giants         8-1
New Orleans Saints     10-1
San Francisco 49ers    10-1
San Diego Chargers     12-1
Houston Texans         12-1
Chicago Bears          17-1
Detroit Lions          18-1
Atlanta Falcons        18-1
Dallas Cowboys         20-1
Baltimore Ravens       20-1
New York Jets          20-1
Indianapolis Colts     25-1
Tennessee Titans       30-1
Cincinnati Bengals     30-1
Buffalo Bills          50-1
Kansas City Chiefs     50-1
Seattle Seahawks       50-1
Denver Broncos         50-1
Carolina Panthers      50-1
Miami Dolphins         50-1
St. Louis Rams         50-1
Oakland Raiders        60-1
Minnesota Vikings      60-1
Arizona Cardinals      60-1
Cleveland Browns       75-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers  100-1
Washington Redskins   125-1
Jacksonville Jaguars  150-1

For more on the Redskins, visit the SB Nation blog Hogs Haven.

Super Bowl Winners: Giants Leapfrog Redskins On All-Time Title List

Sunday's 21-17 victory in Super Bowl 2012 over the New England Patriots placed the New York Giants in elite company, as the Giants collected their second second title in five years and fourth overall.

Currently, the Giants sit in a tie for fourth all-time with the Green Bay Packers, who trail the Pittsburgh Steelers (6), Dallas Cowboys (5), San Fransisco 49ers (5), respectively. Unfortunately, the victory also helped New York surpass the home town Washington Redskins for fifth on the all-time list, a spot where the Patriots and Oakland Raiders remain.

From a Redskins perspective, if you're looking for any positive to come out of the 2012 Super Bowl, well, at least you swept the NFL Champions during the regular season.

Click the link for a complete list of Super Bowl commercials. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl TV Ratings: Viewership May Fall Short Of Last Year, Madonna Takes Cake

The Super Bowl was a great game this year with a half-time show that has been reviewed much better than the debacle featuring the Black Eyed Peas last year. So you have to figure the game got a higher viewership than the game last year, right? Turns out that may not be the case.

Small correx on the overnights. I'm now being told that it's a 47.8 (not 47.9), which is down a tenth of a ratings point from last year.

— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) February 6, 2012

There was one part of the game that did pretty well with ratings, but it didn't have anything to do with football, unfortunately.

Madonna is more popular than the NFL. Source says the halftime show drew a 48.3 overnight, which is higher than the game's 47.8.

— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) February 6, 2012

I get it, the halftime show brings in all the people already watching the game and those just interested in that spectacle. It still just doesn't sit right that the least-football thing I've ever seen beat a pretty darn good football game in ratings.

Click the link for a complete list of Super Bowl commercials. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

PHOTO: Former Redskin Devin Thomas Holds Lombardi Trophy

Super Bowl 2012 Commercials: Elton John, Pepsi And A Flava Flave Cameo

This Pepsi commercial during Super Bowl XLVI may be one of the most Super Bowl commercials of all time. It's so absurd and it features so many celebrity cameos, which makes it absolutely perfect for this venue. Elton John is the focus as the tyrannical king of some medieval world, and Melanie Amaro of X-Factor is the hero that brings him down and gives Pepsi for all. But wait, what's this?

Yup, it's Flava Flav in the dungeon. That was random.

Click the link for a complete list of Super Bowl commercials. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012 Commercials: NFL's 'Evolution' Player Safety Ad Fails To Convince

The NFL kind of had to put out this player safety commercial during Super Bowl XLVI. Given all the uproar over big hits recently, it had no choice. And yet, something about this 60-minute spot rubbed me the wrong way.

Nothing about this is factually wrong, but is the NFL really right to pat itself on the back about their historical concern over player safety? I can understand the league admitting they are starting to care about player safety right now, but let's not pretend they've cared all that much about player safety in the past. Jon Bois' thoughts here mirror mine.

Click the link for a complete list of Super Bowl commercials. For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Commercials 2012: Bud Lite's Poor 'We Go' Dog

Budweiser typically has some pretty good Super Bowl ads from year to year, but I think they might have gone over the line with their latest commercial, which involves the exploitation of a poor little puppy named We Go.

In the commercial, the supposed owner of We Go claims that he's a rescue dog. Really though as you watch, you find out We Go isn't a rescue dog at all but simply a victim of cruel training. What seems like a nifty trick at first, when We Go is called with the command "Here We Go," the puppy will fetch this bro a cold Bud Lite from the fridge. Ignoring the obvious fact that We Go is neither tall enough nor strong enough to actually open a refrigerator, the poor canine is tasked with fetching everyone at this party cold Bud Lite and at one point is even tasked with bringing a keg to the party.

While the ad's tagline is "The sure sign of a good time," it's obvious that We Go was not having a good time by his whimper towards the end, clearly exhausted from fetching his unrelenting masters Bud Lite.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Commercials 2012: Clint Eastwood Joins Up With Chrysler

We've all seen the Chrysler commercials during the year featuring songs by Detroit legend Eminem and featuring Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The commercials have hit home about how Detroit's struggles and rebounding have been the staple of the commercial. Knowing that, you had to figure that the Chrysler Super Bowl commercial would be along the same lines of the other somber and serious ads of their past.

Chrysler pulled out all the stops for this one, however. They went out and got Josey Wales. Blondie. Dirty Harry. Monco. Philo Beddoe.

While Clint Eastwood doesn't really have any ties to Detroit like the previous stars in the ads, his voice just seems to fit perfectly. I'm a little disappointed he didn't throw in a "Right turn, Clyde" though.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Commercials 2012: OK Go's Chevy Commercial

Alternative band OK Go has found themselves a niche in making very creative music videos, ranging from ultra low-budget to running on treadmills to using trained dogs. They've once again set a new standard for what you can accomplish in a music video while working in conjunction with Chevrolet. OK Go's newest music video for their song "Needing/Getting" was creating using Chevy's new Sonic and parts of the video were used in the commercial for the new car, which the band used to make music by doing various things such as continuously slamming the door, banging the roof, and even speeding past pianos and bells in conjunction with the song.

Here's the video, which was in part used during the Super Bowl in the Chevy Sonic ad.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012: Marion Barry Says Dan Snyder 'Sucks', Wants Redskins Back In D.C.

Super Bowl 2012: New York Giants' Win Continues Washington Redskins' Streak

Super Bowl 2012 MVP: Eli Manning Wins Second MVP

The New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI, in large part thanks to the play of quarterback Eli Manning. It was a hard fought and close game, once again coming down to the wire just like the previous match up between the two teams a few years ago. Oddly enough, the game ended in nearly the same fashion with the Giants driving down the football field near the end of the game for the game winning score and the feet of Ahamad Bradshaw. The game winning drive however was orchestrated by some great passes by Manning, including a 38-yard completion down the sideline to start the final drive.

Manning ended the day completing 30 of his 40 pass attempts for 296 yards and one touchdown. All evening, Manning completed passes on third down to keep drives alive and didn't really make very many mistakes or put his team in poor positions. Manning wins his second Super Bowl MVP award, his first also coming against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Final Score: Giants Win Super Bowl XLVI 21-17

The New England Patriots started with the football in the fourth quarter as they were in the middle of a drive from the third quarter. Two plays in however New England turned the football over as Tom Brady attempted to hit Rob Gronkowski deep down the field and it was picked off by New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn at the 8-yard line.

After the interception the Giants began moving down the football field by picking up little chunks of yardage and converting on third downs. The Giants got just past midfield but then began to have a few mental lapses. The Giants were forced to burn two timeouts on the drive to avoid delay of game penalties, leaving themselves with just one timeout to go with just under ten minutes left in the game. The Giants wound up punting on the drive, leaving head coach Tom Coughlin clearly upset with the ending sequence.

After the punt the Patriots looked like they were going to work themselves down the field again, but on second down Tom Brady led Wes Welker just a little too much as Welker couldn't haul in the leaping twisting catch. Brady missed on the very next pass forcing the Patriots to punt the ball back to the Giants. Eli Manning wasted no time on getting the Giants down the field as he hit Mario Manningham on a deep pass down the sideline.

The Giants continued their drive down the field and got into the redzone with just over a minute left in the game. A few plays later running back Ahmad Bradshaw pounded the football into the endzone as the Giants took a 21-17 lead with just under minute left in the game. The Giants attempt a two-point conversion, but it failed.

The Patriots got the football back with under a minute left and were able to convert a fourth and 16 for the first down and got down near midfield before spiking the football. The Patriots had a few more shots, but they just couldn't get enough yardage to get in range for anything but hail mary's as the game clock ended.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

VIDEO: Super Bowl 46 Halftime Show, Featuring Madonna, Cee Lo Green

2012 Super Bowl Score Update: Aaron Hernandez Touchdown Puts Pats Up 17-15

The New England Patriots opened the third quarter with the football, after deferring at the start of the game when they won the coin toss. Tom Brady began the drive on the 21-yard line and marched the Patriots right down the football field. The drive was sparked by a 21-yard reception by Chad Ochocinco. Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis also picked up 17-yards on a run to the outside to get the Patriots across midfield. Just a few plays later, the Patriots found themselves in the redzone. Tom Brady completed his twentieth pass of the game to tight end Aaron Hernandez for a 12-yard touchdown pass to put the Patriots up 17-9 over the New York Giants.

The Giants got the football back after the touchdown and began marching down the football field. Eli Manning was able to hit on a couple of passes and pick up some first downs, but the offense bogged down as the team got closer to the endzone and the Patriots defense didn't have to worry about getting beat deep. The Patriots were able to hold the Giants to a field goal as New York cut into the lead 17-12.

After the Giants field goal, their defense decided to turn up the heat on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. On third down, Brady was sacked by defensive end Justin Tuck to end on a three-and-out. New Englad had a quick scare however after the sack as Tom Brady appeared to be injury. Back up quarterback Brian Hoyer began warming up, but quickly put his baseball cap back on and went back to the bench as Brady finished getting checked out by the doctors.

The Giants got the football back after forcing the three-and-out and began working their way down the football field. The Giants avoided disaster when wide receiver Hakeem Nicks fumbled the football after a 17-yard gain, but fullback Henry Hynoski recovered the football. Manning was sacked on third and long however by linebacker Rob Ninkovich to force the Giants to once again settle for the field goal and cut the lead to 17-15. The half ended as the Patriots got the football back and they will begin the fourth quarter with the football.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012 Halftime Show: Madonna Goes All Out, And That's How It Should Be

There were undoubtedly be many who will bash the Super Bowl 46 halftime show. Those people will say that Madonna is too old for that kind of thing, Cee Lo Green's cameo was weird and the transition between a drum line and a choir was a strange one.

To all those people, I say: Were you not entertained?

Isn't that the point of a Super Bowl halftime show? To entertain? Sure, the music was kind of poor, and Madonna herself seemed to lack energy at plenty of points. But at the end of the day, there were so many things to laugh at and so many things at which to express wonder. The props were all awesome, and you had to love the sight of Cee Lo in a black, sparking choir gown.

The past Super Bowl halftime shows were all kind of boring. This one may have been awkward at several points, but it certainly wasn't boring. I'm a fan.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012 Score Update, Giants Vs. Patriots: Late Tom Brady Touchdown Pass Gives New England 10-9 Lead At Half

The New England Patriots lead the New York Giants 10-9 after one half of Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. A big first quarter spotted the Giants a 9-0 lead, with the first score of the game coming on a safety. The Patriots ended the first driving deep into New York territory. They started the second quarter in the red zone, but their drive would stall there as the Giants forced a 29 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal as the Patriots cut the lead to six points.

Tom Brady lead a drove nearly the length of the field to score the go-ahead touchdown with only eight seconds remaining in the half. After getting it to the New York three yard line, Brady hit Danny Woodhead cutting across the middle of the endzone to give New England a 10-9 lead. The drive took 14 plays and four minutes and tied for the longest march in Super Bowl history. Brady is now 15 of 18 for 147 yards.

While the Giants had a relatively quiet second quarter, Eli Manning did set a Super Bowl record by completing his first nine passes, as the Giants moved the ball throughout the first. Punter Sean Weatherford has been a difference-maker so far for New York, pinning the Pats inside the ten yard line on two occasions.

As for injuries, the Giants have lost tight end Travis Beckum, who tore an ACL as he tried to plant on the turf while running an out patter. He is out for the game, and Jake Ballard, who's dealing with his own injury issues, will have to pick up the slack with Bear Pascoe. New England tight end Rob Gronkowski has been significantly limited by his high-ankle sprain thus far.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012, Score Update: Giants Take 9-0 Lead Over Patriots After First Quarter

After one quarter in Indianapolis, the New York Giants lead the New England Patriots 9-0. Remarkably, the first score of the game was a New York safety, after Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady heaved it down the middle of the field and was called for intentional grounding while in the end zone.

Video of the safety below:

Leading 2-0, the Giants then marched down the field on their subsequent possession for the 9-0 lead. It was a nine play, 78 yard drive that took less than six minutes as the Giants have dominated every facet of the game so far. The big play of the drive was a 24-yard scamper down the left sideline by Ahmad Bradshaw. Inside the ten yard line, Eli Manning then hit Victor Cruz on the inside for the touchdown. Manning is a perfect nine for nine so far.

At the end of the first quarter, the Patriots are driving in New York territory looking to cut into the nine-point lead.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012: Kelly Clarkson Sings National Anthem In 1 Minute, 34 Seconds

Kelly Clarkson sang one of the better national anthems we've seen at a Super Bowl, belting out the Star Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. The over/under line set for the total time of the anthem was a minute and 34 seconds, according to Bovada.

Unofficially, Clarkson hit that time right on the nose for an incredible push for that prop bet. The time still has to be officially confirmed, but after Christina Aguilera fumbled the words last year in Dallas, there should be less controversy this year.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012: President Barack Obama Refuses To Make A Pick In Pregame Interview With Matt Lauer

In a pregame interview with NBC's Matt Lauer, President Obama maintained his neutrality and refused to pick either the New York Giants or New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. Obama hasn't been shy to make picks in the past, whether it's picking the Steelers to win the Super Bowl or filling out an NCAA tournament bracket. On this occasion, however, he said it was simply too close to call.

Before turning the interview discussion to current affairs, Lauer also asked whether the good looks of Pats quarterback Tom Brady resonated with the ladies of his house. Obama insisted that his daughters were too young to be putting posters of Brady, or Justin Bieber, up on their walls. It was a surreal question from Lauer, and didn't exactly provide a natural segue to the Iran-Israel discussion that followed.

Video of the interview below:

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl: Kelly Clarkson Will Sing National Anthem In Indianapolis

While Madonna may be the headliner at the halftime intermission, a younger pop star will take the mic for the Star Spangled Banner before the game. Kelly Clarkson - American Idol winner, Chris Berman carpool companion - is scheduled to sing the National Anthem at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here's hoping that Clarkson will actually get all the words right, coming on the heels of Christina Aguillera's fumbling of the lyrics last year in Dallas. Bovada currently has the over/under for the Anthem set at a minute and 34 seconds.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Injury Report: No Surprise Inactives, Rob Gronkowski Active And Will Play

With just a couple hours remaining before kick off in Super Bowl XLVI, the Patriots and Giants released their official injury reports for the big game. There were no last minute toss-ups, and correspondingly, there were no real surprises on the inactives list. Most importantly, Rob Gronkowski is active and Bill Belichick has said the tight end will play. The amount of time he sees is still to be determined based on how his ankle responds, according to the Patriots' head coach.

The full list of inactives for both teams:

Patriots Inactives:

QB Ryan Mallett, RB Kevin Faulk, RB Shane Vereen, OLB/MLB Gary Guyton, G Donald Thomas, C/G Nick McDonald and DT Ron Brace.

Giants Inactives:

WR Ramses Barden, RB Da'Rel Scott, LB Mark Herzlich, C Jim Cordle, DT Jimmy Kennedy, T James Brewer and DE Justin Trattou.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Halftime Show: Bob Costas Interviews Madonna, Much Talk Of Wardrobe Malfunctions

During Sunday's Super Bowl pregame show, NBC aired an interview Bob Costas conducted with halftime entertainer Madonna. The number one issue seems to be whether or not the historically racy performer might have the game's second wardrobe malfunction. Madonna, as she did on Tuesday during media day, insisted that there will be no such repeat of the controversy Janet Jackson sparked during XXXVIII.

Apparently, the material girl has never seen video of Jackson's performance from eight years ago. It will interesting to see what the 53 year old has in store for this year's halftime show.

Video of Costas' interview below:

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: Can NFC Win Coin Toss For 15 Straight Years?

Perhaps the most improbable achievement tonight could be the extension of a the NFC's coin toss winning streak. The NFC has won the last 14 Super Bowl coin tosses, an incredible streak that defies the 50/50 odds. The Packers started the coin toss winning streak in Super Bowl XXXII, and then lost on the field to the Denver Broncos in San Diego. The Redskins won two of the three coin tosses in their Super Bowl appearances.

The odds of winning 14 straight coin tosses are 16,384 to 1, which is the exact likelihood of an also-ran 5th option receiver making the pivotal catch of a Super Bowl with his helmet. The coin toss prop, according to bovada.lv, is offered at -105 for either heads or tails, and either the Patriots or Giants.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Prop Bets 2012: Tom Brady Favored To Win Super Bowl MVP

The prop bets and handicapping of every little detail around the Super Bowl simply add to the atmosphere that makes Sunday seem like a national holiday. The handicapping over who will win the MVP is among the most debated and discussed prop bet out there.

Currently, New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady is the favorite to win the MVP, with 7/5 odds. Giants quarterback Eli Manning is just behind Brady, with 9/4 odds to take home the MVP. With the Patriots currently a slight favorite, it's no surprise that their quarterback is a favorite to win the MVP.

Outside of quarterback, wide receiver is typically a position that can bring home the MVP, with three of the last seven coming from that spot on the field. Victor Cruz currently is the non-quarterback favorite to win it, with 8/1 odds. Hakeem Nicks and Wes Welker have 12/1 odds, followed by 14/1 Rob Gronkowski and his high-ankle sprain.

Vote for who you think will be Super Bowl XLVI MVP in SB Nation's poll.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Commercials 2012: Toyota Ad Reinvents The Camry, Among Other Things

Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest day of the year in advertising. Many less-informed sports fans simply tune in for the array of creative and new advertisements that pepper the screen during each break. This year, many companies released their planned spots in advance on the web and YouTube. Toyota bought a huge 60 second spot to highlight its new Camry model. The ad claims that in addition to the Camry, the Toyota team has also reinvented other items - such as curtains made out of pizza, a crime-fighting plant, and rain that causes you to lose weight.

Video of the ad:

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Recipes: Pizza Dip

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, and that means two things: football...and food. Lots and lots of food. Right, and the football. Some enjoy pizza for the big game. Some enjoy dip. Why not get the best of both worlds with the pizza dip below? Trust me, it's worth a shot. Easy to prepare, and once made eaten in less time than it took to make. It's that good.

Pizza Dip (via Closet Cooking)

What you will need from the kitchen:

• Cheeses: four ounces of softened cream cheese. One cup of grated mozzarella. 1/2 cup of grated parmesan.
• sour cream, 1/4 cup
• mayonnaise, also 1/4 cup
• one cup of pizza sauce
• sliced pepperoni, two ounces
• sliced green peppers, two tablespoons
• sliced black olives, two tablespoons

Directions from the expert:

Mix the cream cheese, sour cream mayonnaise, mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano and spread it across the bottom of a pie plate.

Spread the pizza sauce on top and sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni, green pepper and olives.

Bake in a preheated 350F oven until the cheese has melted, bubbling and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Super Bowl XLVI is scheduled to kick off at 6:29 P.M. ET, and the game will be televised nationally on NBC. The network will also be streaming the game live, for free, at NBCSports.com. Eating can commence at any time you would like.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Line And Odds: New England Patriots Remain Three-Point Favorites

The Super Bowl XLVI lines and odds haven't changed when it comes to the bet most people will be making. Much like it has been all week, the New England Patriots are three-point favorites to defeat the New York Giants, according to Bovada. The over/under for the game is currently set at 53.5 points.

Obviously, there are more bets that people can place on the game, but this is the major one, and it hasn't changed much. Click the link for a complete list of Super Bowl Prop Bets.

Super Bowl XLVI is scheduled to kick off at 6:29 P.M. ET, and the game will be televised nationally on NBC. The network will also be streaming the game live, for free, at NBCSports.com

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: Stick To A Classic, The Gatorade Bet

Super Bowl Sunday is not just about the game. Sure, fans want to see the Super Bowl XLVI matchup of the New England Patriots (15-3) versus the New York Giants (12-7), but with Super Bowl Sunday also comes the wonderful opportunity to place prop bets on the game. These are bets that have virtually nothing to do with the actual play on the field.

One of the classic Super Bowl pro bets is betting heads or tails on the coin toss. But that's a bit mundane, so step it up a notch and pick another traditional wager, the color of Gatorade spilled if a celebratory splash is given. In visiting with our friends at OddsShark, here are the odds associated with a (possible) Gatorade bath:

What Color will the Gatorade (or liquid) be that is dumped on the Head Coach of the Winning Super Bowl Team?

Clear/Water (3/2)

Orange (5/2)

Yellow (5/2)

Red (13/2)

Green (15/2)

Blue (10/1)

I'm personally leaning towards "Your my boy, Blue!" (Gatorade)

Super Bowl XLVI is scheduled to kick off at 6:29 P.M. ET, and the game will be televised nationally on NBC. The network will also be streaming the game live, for free, at NBCSports.com

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012 Kickoff Time, TV Schedule, Announcers And More

Super Bowl Sunday has arrived, and with it fans might feel they have jumped in a time machine. Super Bowl XLVI will see the New England Patriots (15-3) take on the New York Giants (12-7) just four years after these two teams matched up in one of the more memorable Super Bowl games in NFL history, a 17-14 victory by the Giants over a previously undefeated Patriots team.

Here in a nutshell is everything you need to know about Sunday's big game:

Time: Kickoff is scheduled for 6:29 P.M. EST

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

TV Coverage: The game will be televised nationally on NBC. Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth will have the call from the booth.

Online Streaming: NBC will be streaming the game live, for free, at NBCSports.com

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Live Stream Free On NBC.com

Super Bowl Sunday is finally upon us, and the 46th installment of the big game will see the New England Patriots (15-3) square off against the New York Giants (12-7), in a rematch of their epic Super Bowl XLII battle, won by the Giants 17-14.

Super Bowl XLVI is scheduled to kickoff at 6:29 P.M. EST from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN, and the game will be televised by NBC. In addition, NBC will be streaming the game online live and for free at NBCSports.com. The NBC online stream will offer exclusive online-only camera angles, in-game statistics and the ability to watch the Super Bowl ads on-demand after they have aired.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 NFL Hall Of Fame: Latest Inductees To Hall To Be Named Saturday Evening

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Selection Committee meets Saturday in Indianapolis, and will be announcing those chosen for selection in this year's Hall class. 17 names are up for consideration: Jerome Bettis, Tim Brown, Jack Butler, Cris Carter, Dermontti Dawson, Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Chris Doleman, Kevin Greene, Charles Haley, Cortez Kennedy, Curtis Martin, Bill Parcells, Andre Reed, Willie Roaf, Will Shields, Dick Stanfel, and Aeneas Williams.

Among those up for consideration, Parcells, Shields and Bettis are thought to be likely inductees. Parcells has technically been a finalist before, given he "retired" from coaching more than once in his career. Shields never missed a game in his career, and is considered one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history. Bettis, affectionately known as "The Bus", ranks fifth all-time in career rushing yards.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's current rules stipulate that between four and seven new members be selected each year. Of that number, no more than five modern-era nominees can be elected in a given year.

The election results will be announced on NFL Network at 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday. The Class of 2012 will be the 50th class elected to the Hall of Fame.

For more news and notes on 2012 Hall Of Fame Class check out the SB Nation NFL StoryStream.

2012 Super Bowl Odds And Line: Patriots Slight Favorite Over Giants

New England versus New York in the Super Bowl? Now where have I seen that before?

Super Bowl XLVI will see the New England Patriots (15-3) take on the New York Giants (12-7) in the big game, just four years after these two teams matched up in an epic Super Bowl, with the Giants edging the previously-undefeated Patriots 17-14.

Just like four years ago, New England will be the favorite entering the game, but unlike when the Patriots were on a quest for 19-0 and football immortality, the betting line is much lower in this year's matchup.

According to the website OddsShark, New England remains a slight favorite over New York, by between 2.5 and three points. The over/under continues to hover between 54 and 55.

The game will be televised nationally on NBC. The network will also be streaming the game live, for free, at NBCSports.com

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Kickoff Time, TV Schedule, Live Feed And More

The football gods were so happy with the results four years ago when New England and New York faced each other that they decided it was time for another battle.

Super Bowl XLVI will pit the New England Patriots (15-3) against the New York Giants (12-7), forty-eight months after the Giants squeaked out a 17-14 win over the previously undefeated Patriots in one of the more memorable Super Bowl games in the league's history.

With many of the key players and coaches back again this year, the potential for another great game is there. Manning vs. Brady, Belichick vs. Coughlin, the Giants ferocious defensive front vs. the Patriots offensive line: Sunday's game again has all the makings of a classic, on paper at least. This fan is hoping they deliver the goods.

Here's is what you need to know for the big game:

Time: Kickoff is scheduled for 6:29 P.M. EST

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

TV Coverage: The game will be televised nationally on NBC. Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth will have the call from the booth.

Online Streaming: NBC will be streaming the game live, for free, at NBCSports.com

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Ads 2012: Downy Brings Mean Joe Greene And Amy Sedaris Together

The 1980 Mean Joe Greene Coke Commercial is one of the most iconic commercials in America, so it's not a surprise that folks keep trying to emulate it and parody it. This year it's Downy, who brings in Amy Sedaris of all people to play the boy who offers Mean Joe Greene some Downy Unstoppables. It's basically the same ad, except for a slightly different ending...and a whole lot more funky Amy Sedaris faces.

The ads a winner because it covers every base. It's got the nostalgia factor, reenacting one of the most famous football commercials of all time. Sedaris pulls in "the kids" or whatever demographic is said to be fans of Sedaris. And there's a body function joke, the core of any good Super Bowl commercial. If they could have somehow worked in a fart or a guy getting kicked in the groin, it might have been an all-time great.

For complete Super Bowl coverage head over to the SB Nation NFL hub page.

Super Bowl Ads 2012: Kauffman "Will It Be You?" Commercial Targeted To D.C.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is hoping to make an impression on viewers during this year's Super Bowl Sunday by launching its first-ever public service announcement aimed at sparking the interest of potential entrepreneurs.

The ad will cost roughly $3.5 million to air and will be targeted to some of the nation's largest television markets including New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Kauffman's hometown of Kansas City.

The Kauffman PSA boldly asks the question that many entrepreneurs face every day: Will it be you?

The ad, which was leaked online Thursday, guides interested entrepreneurs to Kauffman's newest site, willitbeyou.com, where it displays information for startups about inspiration, networking, creation, mentoring and capital raising. The website features popular resources provided by Kauffman including iStart (utilized in Kansas City's Gigabit Challenge business plan competition), Startup Weekend, Global Entrepreneurship Week, Startup America, UEP, Maker Faire, PIPELINE and many others.

For complete Super Bowl coverage head over to the SB Nation NFL hub page.

Super Bowl 2012: Devin Thomas Fulfills Super Bowl Promise To Dad

Former Washington Redskins receiver Devin Thomas will lace up in blue on Sunday when he stands on the sidelines for the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.

For Thomas, it's a chance to fulfill a promise he made to his Dad during Super Bowl XLIII between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals.

Thomas, then a Michigan State wide receiver, attended the game with his father and watched the Steelers win the game. As time expired, he made a deal with his Dad.

"Pops, we can't come back to no more Super Bowls unless I'm playing in it. It's too hard to sit here and watch it."

Said Dwight Thomas: "I thought it might have been something that would pass over, but then after that he didn't utilize his Super Bowl tickets that he'd get. This is the first time we returned to the Super Bowl."

Dwight Thomas will be in the stands for Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday cheering on his son, just like he promised.

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven and SB Nation DC. For more on Super Bowl XLVI, visit SBNation.com.

Super Bowl 2012 Pick And Prediction: Can Eli Manning Pull Off Another Upset?

It's finally here. Who does our resident NFL picks expert believe will win the Super Bowl?

Super Bowl 2012 Commercials: Volkswagen Shoehorns In Another Darth Vader Appearance

Super Bowl XLVI is just a few days away and already advertisers have begun releasing their new Super Bowl commercials online. The new commercial for the Volkswagen Beetle popped up online in the last couple of days and the official VW YouTube version already has over a million views.

Volkswagen had a smash hit during last year's Super Bowl when they debuted a Passat commercial featuring the "Star Wars Kid," who tries to use his or her Force powers...with adorable results. Recently, VW put out a commercial to "tease" their Super Bowl commercial, which features a chorus of dogs barking the Imperial March, and a whippet dressed as an AT-AT Walker.

But here's what it led up to: their 2012 Super Bowl commercial for the Volkswagen Beetle, entitled "The Dog Strikes Back."

It's two commercials in one! For some reason! Just when you thought you were watching an innocent commercial about a depressed, morbidly-obese dog, BAM: Mos Eisley cantina.

Fat dogs! Aliens! Meta-textual self-referential critique! Darth Vader! Assault! This commercial has it all. Advertising geniuses at VW, you have done it again. What a weird, weird commercial.

For complete Super Bowl coverage head over to the SB Nation NFL hub page.

Former Redskin Devin Thomas' Wild Ride Continues

Devin Thomas’ career in Washington never panned out. In two seasons he caught just 40 passes for 445 yards and three touchdowns, not exactly what the Redskins were hoping for when they drafted Thomas 34th overall in the 2008 draft.

But things are panning out now. As CBS writer David Elfin points out, of the 16 top-40 players chosen by the Redskins in the NFL Draft over the past 15 years, Thomas is the first one who will have played in a Super Bowl. And he played a big hand in the Giants getting there:

What’s more, although he caught just three passes this season, Thomas played an important role in the Giants’ surprising run to the title game against the New England Patriots. New York edged host San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game thanks in part to Thomas, who recovered a pair of 49ers fumbled punts in the second half to set up the go-ahead touchdown and the winning field goal.

Thomas is also getting some love from ESPN New York, which ran this piece on Thomas.

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven and SB Nation DC. For more on Super Bowl XLVI, visit SBNation.com.

Super Bowl 2012: Anthony Armstrong Takes Solace In Beating New York Giants