Who Played in Super Bowl 2012? Teams, Score & Highlights

By Sarah Miller · November 28, 2043

The two teams that played in Super Bowl 2012 were the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. The game took place on February 5, 2012, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17, marking their fourth Super Bowl victory and second win over the Patriots in four years.

Overview of Super Bowl XLVI

Super Bowl XLVI (46) featured a rematch between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, echoing their dramatic encounter in Super Bowl XLII. This game was notable for its strategic depth, tight defense, and pivotal moments in the final minutes. It was the first time the Super Bowl was held in Indianapolis, hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.

Key Details About the Match

Date: February 5, 2012
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Final Score: New York Giants 21 – New England Patriots 17
MVP: Eli Manning (Quarterback, New York Giants)
Attendance: 68,658
Halftime Show Performer: Madonna

Team Backgrounds and Road to the Super Bowl

Both teams navigated challenging playoff paths to reach Super Bowl XLVI. Their regular-season performances and postseason matchups set the stage for a high-stakes showdown.

New York Giants Season Recap

The Giants finished the 2011 NFL regular season with a 9–7 record, winning the NFC East division title despite a late-season losing streak. They advanced through the playoffs by defeating the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFC Championship Game.

New England Patriots Season Recap

The Patriots dominated the AFC with a 13–3 record, securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Led by Tom Brady, they defeated the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens to reach their third Super Bowl appearance of the decade.

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The contest was tightly contested, with both offenses struggling at times against strong defensive units. The Giants built a 15-point lead in the third quarter before the Patriots mounted a comeback.

Eli Manning threw for 296 yards and one touchdown.
Tom Brady passed for 276 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
A crucial 38-yard pass from Manning to Mario Manningham along the sideline with under four minutes remaining set up the winning touchdown.
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul sealed the win with a blocked field goal attempt in the final seconds.

Statistic	New York Giants	New England Patriots
First Downs	21	20
Total Yards	398	326
Passing Yards	296	276
Rushing Yards	102	50
Turnovers	2	1
Time of Possession	32:41	27:19

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical comparison shows the Giants had a slight edge in total offense and time of possession, which helped them control the game's tempo. Their ability to convert key third downs and sustain drives was critical, especially in the fourth quarter. Despite fewer turnovers, the Patriots struggled to establish a consistent running game, limiting their offensive flexibility.

Postgame Impact and Legacy

Super Bowl XLVI reinforced Eli Manning’s legacy as a clutch performer, further drawing comparisons to his brother Peyton Manning. For the Patriots, the loss delayed their pursuit of a fourth championship in the Brady-Belichick era, though they remained contenders in subsequent seasons.

The game also highlighted the importance of situational football, with special teams and defensive plays proving decisive. The Giants became the first team to defeat the Patriots in a Super Bowl since 2008, cementing their status as a resilient postseason squad.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 2012

Who won Super Bowl 2012?

The New York Giants won Super Bowl 2012, defeating the New England Patriots 21-17. The victory marked their fourth Super Bowl title in franchise history.

Where was Super Bowl 2012 held?

Super Bowl 2012 was held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was the first time the city hosted the event.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 2012?

Eli Manning, the quarterback for the New York Giants, was named Super Bowl MVP. He completed 30 of 40 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown.

What was the halftime show for Super Bowl 2012?

The halftime show was headlined by pop icon Madonna, featuring guest appearances by LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green. The performance blended choreography, historical imagery, and music hits from her career.

Was Super Bowl 2012 a rematch?

Yes, Super Bowl 2012 was a rematch of Super Bowl XLII (2008), where the Giants also defeated the Patriots 17-14 in a game famous for ending New England’s bid for a perfect season.