Giants Super Bowl Win Shows Upsets Do Happen

If ever any further proof was needed that upsets can happen, this is it: the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in NFL Super Bowl XLVI, the second time in five seasons they have surprised their bitter rivals in the big dance.

New York came from behind to beat the Patriots 21-17 in the NFL Championship game on Sunday, thanks to quarterback Eli Manning's most valuable player performance. The Giants grabbed the lead with less than one minute left on the clock, and its defense stopped the Pats' last-gasp bid for victory.

Most online sportsbooks had the Pats as the favorites, even though the Giants firmed in the betting odds as the day drew closer. However, as in 2008, when the Patriots also went in as firm favorites at the bookmakers on the back of an undefeated season, the Giants - and those who wagered on them to win - eventually had the last laugh.

Surprisingly, neither Super Bowl participant is William Hill Online's favorite for Super Bowl XLVII in one year's time. That title belongs to the Green Bay Packers, who are 5/1. They are followed by New England and the New Orleans Saints, 7/1, Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans, 10/1, and the Baltimore Ravens, 12/1.

Sports Interaction is already offering odds for college football's next title. LSU leads their odds for the BCS National Championship, at 4.00, followed by Alabama, 6.00, USC, 9.00, Oklahoma, 11.00, and Florida State and Oregon, 13.00