In the week leading to the Super Bowl I asked former NFL players for their prediction and why they think the New England Patriots or the New York Giants are going to win. Here are their picks:

Blaine Bishop (former safety with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans and four-time Pro Bowler) predicts a New York Giants win because their front-four can get to QB Tom Brady and New England’s secondary is not good.

Kevin Mawae (former center with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans, and eight-time Pro Bowler): "I think Tom Brady is the x factor in today's game. Both teams are well coached. A lot has been made of New York's talent level on defense vs the Pats. I give the edge to Patriots and [Bill] Belichick.

Bill Schroeder (former wide receiver with the Green Bay Packers): “I think this will be a great game and a close game … I’m picking the Giants as they knocked off the Packers at home.”

Reggie Givens (former linebacker and special teams captain with the San Francisco 49ers): “I predict that the Giants will beat the Patriots. The front seven for both teams is the key. The Giants’ front seven will get pressure on [Tom] Brady and disrupt the Patriots offense. The Patriots’ D-line will not be able to get enough pressure on Eli [Manning] to stop their passing game. That will open up the Giants thunder & lightning run game.”

Willie Williams (former cornerback and Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers) predicts the New York Giants to win. “Their defense is solid and Eli [Manning] is playing at a high level. The Patriots’ defense is young and some are not experienced in playing in a game at this calibre. It will be a close game but the Giants will come out on top.”

Damon Denson (former offensive lineman with the New England Patriots) “I’m choosing the Patriots to win the Super Bowl this year because their defense is solid and I believe their offensive line will give [Tom] Brady the time he needs to be effective.”

Jorge Diaz (former offensive lineman with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers): “I believe the team who has the best balanced attack will win this year’s Super Bowl, and that team would be the New York Giants. They have been playing great football in all three phases of the game and have the best balance out of the two teams still standing. Some say offense, some say defense wins championships, but really it’s the best teams that do and I believe this year it’s the Giants.”