The New York Giants and New England Patriots emerged from their respective conferences and earned the right to a rematch in Super Bowl XLVI, which takes place in Indianapolis Sunday evening.

The game pits the same opponents together as Super Bowl XLII, when the underdog Giants took down the undefeated Patriots. The pursuit of perfection was shattered when, on a third down on the Giants 44-yard line, Eli Manning evaded the pass rush and heaved a bomb to David Tyree. Pinning the ball up against his helmet while fighting off Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, Tyree held on for one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history. Manning then hit Plaxico Burress for a touchdown that put New York up 17-14 and sealed an improbable upset. But that was 2008.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Storylines run deep for this year's highly anticipated matchup. On one side you have Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the masterminds behind an offense that seems to work no matter who is involved. New England has proved time and time again that they can take players that other teams see no value in, plug them into this dynamic system and make winners out of them.

Rob Gronkowski, the former Williamsville North and Arizona standout, has taken the league by storm, setting records for tight ends in touchdowns and receiving yards. With Gronk lined up on one side (assuming he'll play) and the equally versatile Aaron Hernandez on the other, Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell (a former Bills coach) must be having nightmares trying to figure out how to cover these two guys. They are faster than linebackers, but far more physical than any corner or safety.

If the tight ends weren't enough, the Pats also have scoring threats in players like Wes Welker and running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Stevan Ridley and even Kevin Faulk must also be accounted for. The Patriots also have an incredibly reliable offensive line, anchored by Dan Connelly, first-round draft pick Nate Solder, Matt Light, Logan Mankins and Brian Waters.

It is no secret that the Patriots' weaknesses seem to be on the defensive side of the ball. New England surrendered an average of 21 points per game in the regular season, but has given up only 30 points total in their two playoff games. Cornerbacks Kyle Arrington, Devin McCourty and Sterling Moore are backed up by safeties Patrick Chung and Sergio Brown. Julian Edelman, a natural wide receiver, has even lined up on defense when offenses tried to spread the field, and he has done a serviceable job. The Pats gave up a league-high 10 300-yard passing games in the regular season but have not surrendered one since.     

Linebackers Brandon Spikes, Jerrod Mayo and Rob Ninkovich are all capable of stuffing the run and defending the pass. Nosetackle Vince Wilfork can eat up double-teams with his 325 pound frame and is a player not many are accounting for. Watch for him to make a big impact.

Even if something goes wrong, this defense seems to get bailed out a lot of the time by New England's ability to outscore just about anybody.

NEW YORK GIANTS

The New York Giants are a team that turned it on when they needed to and have been red hot down the stretch. Embattled head coach Tom Coughlin has a very well-balanced attack led by signal-caller Eli Manning. While his older brother Peyton has taken the year off due to neck surgery, Eli has proved this year that he is truly an elite quarterback – effective on third down and clutch in the fourth quarter. Wideouts Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham are deep threats whenever they step on the field, and the Giants hope to take some shots beating the New England safeties on Sunday.

The Giants running game, though less talked about, is also something to be feared. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are two mad men who platoon in the New York backfield. Bradshaw, the 5-foot-10, 214 pound running back, is quick and slashes through holes but is not afraid to lower his shoulders. On the other end of the spectrum is Jacobs, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 265 pounds – bigger than some linebackers in the NFL. The Patriots front seven will have their hands full trying to take him down on first contact.

The Giants offensive line has given up eight sacks in the postseason, but they have made up for it in their run blocking. Left tackle David Diehl will be rushed early and often as his job is to protect Eli Manning's blindside. Center David Baas, as well as guards Kevin Boothe and Chris Snee will all be counted on for veteran leadership and smart blocking come Sunday evening.