New England Patriots (4/6 in Outright Match) received a big boost to their Super Bowl-winning hopes when tight end Rob Gronkowski returned to practice after injury and he may hold the key to victory over the New York Giants (5/4) in Indianapolis.

Gronkowski, 22, set National Football League records for a tight end with 1,327 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns in the regular season, but suffered an ankle injury in the Patriots’ AFC Championship victory over the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago.

Head coach Bill Belichick has played down Gronkowski’s chances of making a dramatic return, but his importance to the Patriots’ offence as quarterback Tom Brady’s favourite target cannot be underestimated.

Brady (11/10 in Super Bowl MVP) has twice won the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player award and could still pick any team apart with his fast, accurate passing.

Patriots receivers Wes Welker (8/1 First TD Scorer) and Deion Branch (16/1) and their secondary tight-end target, Aaron Hernandez (8/1), could all step up if Gronkowski (11/2) fails to take the field for the three-time former winners.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning played in New York’s 17-14 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, but arguably has greater weapons at his disposal on offense this year with a string of impressive wide receivers able to stretch the field.

Mario Manningham (14/1) and Hakeem Nicks (7/1) are stud receivers and in Victor Cruz (7/1), Manning has a target who gives defensive backs nightmares because of his speed and ability to make massive plays after completing passes.

Both teams possess capable running games and organised defences, as you would expect from the cream of the AFC and NFC, but offenses could dominate at the Lucas Oil Stadium (10/11 Over 54 in Total Points).