Who Played in Super Bowl 46? Teams, Score & Highlights

By Sarah Miller · April 24, 2032

The New York Giants and the New England Patriots played in Super Bowl 46, with the Giants defeating the Patriots 21-17 to claim their fourth Super Bowl title. The game took place on February 5, 2012, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Overview of Super Bowl 46

Super Bowl 46 was a highly anticipated rematch between two NFL powerhouses: the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. This game marked the second time these teams met in the Super Bowl in five years, echoing their dramatic clash in Super Bowl 42. Once again, the outcome was decided in the final minutes, solidifying the rivalry between quarterback Eli Manning and Tom Brady.

Key Highlights

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

Team Matchup and Season Performance

Both teams entered Super Bowl 46 with strong regular-season records and playoff momentum. The Giants finished the 2011 regular season with a 9–7 record, winning the NFC East after a late-season surge. They became the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive road games in the playoffs as a wild card entrant.

The Patriots, led by Tom Brady, dominated the AFC with a 13–3 record and were considered favorites heading into the game due to their high-powered offense.

Eli Manning vs. Tom Brady: A Legendary Rivalry

The quarterback duel between Eli Manning and Tom Brady defined Super Bowl 46. This was the second time the two faced off in the Super Bowl, with Manning once again getting the better of Brady.

Notable Performances

Eli Manning: 30 of 40 passing, 296 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
Tom Brady: 27 of 41 passing, 276 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Victor Cruz: 6 receptions, 109 yards for the Giants
Aaron Hernandez: 4 receptions, 67 yards, 1 touchdown for the Patriots

Statistic	New York Giants	New England Patriots
First Downs	21	20
Total Yards	400	374
Passing Yards	296	276
Rushing Yards	104	98
Time of Possession	35:06	24:54
Third Down Efficiency	6/13	5/12
Penalties	8 (68 yards)	7 (65 yards)

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical comparison shows a closely contested game. The Giants held a slight edge in total yardage and controlled the clock significantly, maintaining possession for over 10 minutes more than the Patriots. Their efficiency on third downs and ability to sustain drives were key factors in their victory.

Game-Changing Moments

Several pivotal plays decided the outcome of Super Bowl 46:

Odell Beckham Jr. Holding Penalty: Though not yet an NFL player, this refers to a confusion—actually, a critical moment was Mario Manningham’s 38-yard catch down the sideline with 3:46 remaining, which set up the go-ahead touchdown.
Brandon Jacobs’ Go-Ahead Touchdown: A 1-yard run gave the Giants a 21–17 lead with under a minute left.
Defensive Stand: The Giants’ defense prevented the Patriots from converting on their final drive, sealing the win.

Halftime Show and Cultural Impact

Madonna headlined the Super Bowl 46 halftime show, performing a medley of her hits including "Vogue," "Like a Prayer," and "Music." The show featured elaborate choreography and guest appearances by LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and CeeLo Green. It was one of the most-watched halftime performances in history, drawing over 114 million viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl 46

Who won Super Bowl 46?

The New York Giants won Super Bowl 46, defeating the New England Patriots 21–17. It was their fourth Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

Where was Super Bowl 46 held?

Super Bowl 46 was played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking the first time the city hosted the event.

What was the final score of Super Bowl 46?

The final score was New York Giants 21, New England Patriots 17. The Giants scored the winning touchdown with just under a minute remaining.

Who was named MVP of Super Bowl 46?

Eli Manning was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 296 yards and leading the Giants on multiple crucial drives, including the game-winning touchdown series.

Did the Patriots win Super Bowl 46?

No, the New England Patriots lost Super Bowl 46 to the New York Giants, 21–17. Despite being favored, they were unable to overcome the Giants’ late-game execution.