Pats to win Super Bowl XLII

Based on simulations using EA Sports’ best-selling Madden NFL 08 video game, the New England Patriots will be victorious over the New York Giants, 38-30, on Sunday’s Super Bowl game in Arizona.

According to the computer vs. computer match-up between the two teams, here’s how Super Bowl XLII might play out:

* The game kicks off with a close start with two touchdowns by Pats running back Laurence Maroney and three field goals by Giant’s kicker Lawrence Tynes.

* Late in the third quarter the Patriots led by only one point, 24-23.

* New England pulls off a 31-yard touchdown pass from QB Tom Brady to wide receiver Randy Moss, giving the Pats a 31-23 lead going into the fourth quarter.

* A tipped pass by QB Eli Manning was picked off by Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel; the Pats scored with their possession from the turnover, giving them a 38-23 lead over the Giants, but New York scores one more time, ending the game, 38-30.

For the past five years, EA Sports has a perfect record for predicting the winner of the Super Bowl.