Every matchup is important, but the winners of these matchups will likely determine the winner of Super Bowl XLII. Here are a few to watch:
New York WR Plaxico Burress vs. New England CB Ellis Hobbs
The Giants need a big-time performance from their No. 1 playmaker if they are going to pull off the upset. Burress had a solid four-catch, 84-yard day and scored two touchdowns in New York's Week 17 loss to the Patriots, while in the NFC Championship Game Burress had 11 catches for 151 yards. He needs to at least have a day somewhere between the two in the Super Bowl. The Giants need those two touchdowns and eight-to-10 receptions. To best do that, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has to get Burress matched up against Hobbs, who struggled this season and gave up quite a few big plays. Burress is the best playmaking wideout in this game other than Patriots WR Randy Moss, and Burress would have success against either Hobbs or Asante Samuel. But Samuel is one of the best in the business and would make his share of plays, so getting Burress matched up on Hobbs will be a "green-light special" for Giants QB Eli Manning.