Take Giants, Clarkson with the under

Giants (+3) over Patriots

Let's get the most pressing Super Bowl prop out of the way right at the top. Double V is goin' under 1:36 on Kelly Clarkson singing the national anthem . Tons of research went into that decision, and it's not something Double V takes lightly. More prop wagers to come at the end, but now let's focus on the rematch of the Nov. 6 game at Foxborough.

The Patriots opened up in that game at minus-8 and closed as a big, fat 9-point favorite. The Giants won, 24-20, covering the inflated spread, and the game went under the total of 51. Statistically, the game was very close. Each team had 23 first downs, the Giants had 68 plays, the Pats had 75, but New York edged New England in time of possession, 30:17 to 29:43. And if you throw in Super Bowl XLII, when the New Yorkers beat the Patriots, 17-14, these teams have a recent history of keeping it close.

Tom Brady or Eli Manning? According to one online survey, married women prefer Eli (54 percent) over Tom (46 percent). What about the historians? If Brady wins and gets his fourth ring, he joins Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw in a very, very exclusive club, and would have to be considered in the "best ever" conversation. If Manning gets his second ring, he moves right into John Elway, Roger Staubach and Bob Griese territory. And if you are thinking Eli is just Peyton 's scrawny younger brother, he ain't. Check him out in that ESPN commercial where he sticks a finger in Peyton's ear. He has bulked up on top, allowing him to take a beating, as he did Jan. 22 against the 49ers, and keep bouncing back up. Love Brady, but Eli's my guy in this spot. He has been there and done that. Win, win each time he faced Brady. Manning has also been amazing in the playoffs, rolling to a 7-1 record straight up and against the spread. And even more impressive, Eli has led the Giants to a gorgeous 6-0 record on the road, 6-0 against the spread, and 6-0 as an underdog. Not so impressive for Brady, at least the last couple of years. The Patriots are 2-2 since 2010, and have covered only one of four. Edge Manning.

We also got a slight homefield edge for the younger Manning since the older Manning is a virtual icon in Indianapolis, and the Patriots are not thought of in a warm and fuzzy way.

There have been two quarterback rematches in Super Bowl history. Terry Bradshaw against Staubach and Troy Aikman against Jim Kelly . In each case, the QB who won the first game won the rematch. Just sayin'.

Vic is calling for the hat trick, which would be the third time a QB has won the rematch, and looking for the Giants to win another ring with a 28-25 victory.

Before you put the paper down, how about a quick visit to Prop City, baby:

* There has never, ever been one, but Double V is looking for overtime Sunday, and will drop $100 to win back $1,200.

* >We like Tom Brady over 39 passing attempts and . . .

* Since we think the Giants are gonna win a close one, we'll grab the New Yorkers at 4-1 to win by 1 to 6 points . How about $100 on each?

* Gotta drop a hundy on Mario Manningham to score the first TD with odds of 12-1.

* A hundy each on Michael Boley over 6 tackles and assists and . . .

* Rob Ninkovich over 5 tackles and assists.

* And finally - and we're doubling up on this one - $200 on Indy-born Mathias Kiwanuka to go over 4 tackles and assists.

Wish you were in Vegas to watch with me! Enjoy and Go Big Blue!