It’s the television event of the year, so big that even the commercials are ranked by importance and influence.  It’s the Super Bowl, and media members and celebrities will flock from all across the country to celebrate the event and root on the two teams participating.

With the spotlight set on Super Bowl XLVI, who should be considered to be the faces of this year’s big game?  The Wife Hates Sports has the answer – ranking this year’s most influential faces of the Super Bowl – in a three-part series.  Chime in on your own personal rankings, and let’s celebrate the New England Patriots, New York Giants and Super Bowl XLVI.

The 46 Faces of Super Bowl XLVI (Part 2 of 3)

30. Tiquan Underwood

Tiquan Underwood's haircut has made Super Bowl headlines

Underwood (3 catches for 30 yards during the regular season) didn’t gain any attention with his offensive numbers, but he did during Super Bowl week with his fancy Patriots themed haircut (see right), which he posted to his Twitter account.  But the biggest attention getter?  The Patriots cut him, just 24 hours before the big game.  Brutal!

29. Archie Manning

With one son playing in the Super Bowl and another son being a main reason for the existence of the game’s location, it’s clear that Archie Manning will be heavily entrenched in the spotlight during the big game.  Expect a lot of camera shots on the Manning family throughout.

28. Kyle Arrington

Arrington had a great year with the Patriots, accumulating 88 tackles (second most on the team) and seven interceptions during the regular season (tied for most in the NFL).

27. Rodney Harrison

Whether Rodney Harrison wants to talk about it or not, "The Catch" will be mentioned ad nauseum during Super Bowl XLVI

Harrison retired from the NFL more than two years ago, and currently serves as an analyst on NBC Sports’ Football Night in America.  But during this Super Bowl, Harrison will be frequently mentioned and highlighted as the player that defended David Tyree during “the catch” play in the Super Bowl matchup between the Patriots and Giants four years ago.

26. Julian Edelman

Edelman is a multi-dimensional player who has great value for the Patriots, not just serving as a wide receiver on offense, but more so recently on special teams and on defense as a member of the secondary.

25. Dan Patrick

Formerly as an anchor on SportsCenter, Dan Patrick left ESPN years ago, and now has arguably the best sports radio show in the country.  He also serves as a co-host for NBC Sports’ Football Night in America, and will be handing out the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the winner of Super Bowl XLVI.

24. Osi Umenyiora

Former Miss Hooters Anna Burns is clearly playing with a full deck.

Another of New York’s talented defensive linemen, Umenyiora was fined $20K for bailing on the media during Super Bowl week.  He later apologized.  With 5 ½ sacks in four January games, don’t expect any more absences from Osi.

23. Anna Burns

Hitting headlines in recent weeks, Burns is now engaged to New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker.  If the former Miss Hooters (see right) is going to be present at this year’s Super Bowl, then it’s a liklihood that we’ll be seeing a lot of her on camera.  At least, we hope so.

22. Hakeem Nicks

At times, Nicks (76 receptions, 1,192 yards and 7 TD’s during regular season) was second fiddle to Victor Cruz in the pass game, but he remains the deep threat in the Giants’ offense and the clear number one receiver on the team.

21. Deion Branch

Branch was targeted 90 times by Tom Brady during the regular season, which was fourth most on the team.  While he hasn’t been the clear target in the pass game, Branch brings with him plenty of Super Bowl success, most notably in Super Bowl XXXIX, when he was named MVP of the game after tying a record with 11 receptions.

As MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX, Deion Branch proved that he can make a super impact

20. Mark Herzlich

Herzlich’s story is one of the most inspirational stories of the NFL season.  After tons of success at Boston College, Herzlich was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2009, at the age of 21.  Signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent, Herzlich made the team and saw some playing time during the regular season.

19. Bill O’Brien

In a few days, Bill O'Brien will be hanging out with the Nittany Lion

O’Brien is serving as the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, and weeks back, he agreed to become Penn State’s next head football coach, replacing the late Joe Paterno.  Juggling two jobs and facing an uphill climb with the Nittany Lions, O’Brien now finds himself with a chance to leave the NFL on top.

18. Antrel Rolle

Statistically, Antrel Rolle gains plenty of attention, accumulating 96 total tackles during the regular season, the most for the Giants.  But he gains even more attention with his mouth, openly telling the media that “we are expecting to win” the Super Bowl.  You have to love his confidence, but only as long as his teammates continue to back up his words.

17. Robert Kraft

Bob Kraft could easily be higher up this list for many reasons.  By now, many are familiar with the statement made by Colts center Jeff Saturday, who credited Kraft for having a key role in getting the NFL’s CBA issues resolved.  In addition, the Patriots as a franchise have clearly flourished with him as owner, winning 12 AFC East division titles, countless playoff games and three Super Bowls.  As a family, the Krafts have also donated millions to numerous good causes.

16. Madonna

The Super Bowl halftime show will be performed by Madonna this year, therefore expect plenty of wardrobe, but likely no wardrobe malfunctions.  Right, Janet?  Clearly, the superstar pop legend is already getting heavily involved in the game itself, most notably during a recent press conference, when she broke out some salsa dance moves, as inspired by New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZMlA0-vk-Q

Sorry, “Material Girl”, but Victor wins this round.

This year’s list CONCLUDED with Part III… (coming soon)

Or if you missed it, check out Part 1 (46-31)

It’s the television event of the year, so big that even the commercials are ranked by importance and influence.  It’s the Super Bowl, and media members and celebrities will flock from all across the country to celebrate the event and root on the two teams participating.

With the spotlight set on Super Bowl XLVI, who should be considered to be the faces of this year’s big game?  The Wife Hates Sports has the answer – ranking this year’s most influential faces of the Super Bowl – in a three-part series.  Chime in on your own personal rankings, and let’s celebrate the New England Patriots, New York Giants and Super Bowl XLVI.

The 46 Faces of Super Bowl XLVI (Part 1 of 3)

46. Josh McDaniels

McDaniels has been around the block more than most of us, spending time as an offensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL, all by age 35.  With Bill O’Brien departing for Penn State soon, McDaniels is back in New England as an offensive assistant.  But as NBC sports recently reported, he’s mostly remained out of the spotlight.

45. Jim Irsay

The owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts is easily the most open and outspoken owner in the NFL today.  Most of his messages are delivered via his Twitter account (@JimIrsay).  Included in some of his recent tweets are ways to win Super Bowl tickets (it is his team’s stadium, after all).  Irsay has also been trying to iron out all the rumors surrounding his relationship with Peyton Manning.

44. Zoltan Mesko

In a game that’s expected to be close, special teams will become a key part.  Mesko had 24 of 57 regular season punts get downed inside the 20.  Steve Weatherford, his Super Bowl opponent, managed just 25 inside the 20 over 82 attempts.  That, plus Mesko’s unique name can easily get mistaken for Zoltar Speaks, the wishing machine from the movie Big.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjIxic9cBXU

43. Kelly Clarkson

The 29-year old pop star, songwriter and winner of the first season of American Idol will be singing the National Anthem during the Super Bowl.  Expect a better performance than current Idol judge Steven Tyler could manage during the playoffs a few weeks back.  But don’t expect Steve Carell to scream her name as an introduction…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T2n_n9H67g

42. Chad Ochocinco

His outlandish ways and unique personality left many fans curious to see how Ochocinco would handle playing in New England, especially if he made it to the Super Bowl.  Now, here he is, but no one expects him to make any kind of an impact, especially after the regular season that he had (15 receptions, 276 yards and just 1 TD).

41. Alexa Flutie (Cheerleaders are back!)

Doug Flutie's daughter is a cheerleader with the Patriots

Only a handful of NFL franchises do not have cheerleaders, and last year’s Super Bowl between the Packers and Steelers painfully featured none.  This year, cheerleaders are back, at least on New England’s sideline.  The name many would know is Alexa Flutie, daughter of Doug Flutie.  The rest of New England’s squad won’t be anything to complain about, either.

40. Nate Solder

The Giants will send a vicious pass rush at Tom Brady and the Patriots, attempting to force mistakes.  In order to fend off New York’s talented defensive front, Nate Solder – a rookie playing in his first Super Bowl – will need to avoid jitters and have a great night.

39. Roger Goodell

Last year during this time, the commissioner had to worry about finding ways to avoid a lockout.  This season, he can sit back and enjoy a Super Bowl, further seeking ways to further the growth and health of the National Football League.

38. Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw has battled through injuries, managing just 659 yards on the ground over 12 games during the regular season.  Likely to see plenty of work in the Super Bowl, Bradshaw and the New York running game will need to be effective to keep Brady and the New England offense off the field.

37. Danny Woodhead

The 5’8” Woodhead may have seen a dropoff in production this season, but he still is easily one of the more multi-dimensional players playing in this year’s Super Bowl.  Don’t be surprised to see him not just heavily involved on special teams, but also during run and pass plays, too.

We know you're excited about the return of cheerleaders to the Super Bowl, but this list is just getting started.

36. Brandon Jacobs

Like Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs also missed time during the regular season, posting just 571 rushing yards on the season.  But the 6’4”, 264-pounder is a battering ram, and not an easy man to take down, especially once he’s able to gain any momentum.

35. Aaron Hernandez

Often playing second fiddle to Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez has put up some gaudy numbers of his own (79 catches, 910 yards, 7 TD’s in regular season).  He’s the second part of New England’s two-headed tight end monster, and one of Tom Brady’s many offensive weapons.

34. Justin Tuck

Tuck is yet another member of the Giants that missed significant time during the season.  His regular season numbers (37 tackles, one forced fumble, five sacks) are half of his 2010 production, but Tuck is still a force to be reckoned with in the trenches.

33. Jerod Mayo

Just how good was Mayo on defense this season?  He missed a handful of games due to injury, yet still led the Patriots in total tackles, with 95.

32. Corey Webster

Webster led the Giants in interceptions with six on the season.  That tally was also good for fourth place in the NFL during the regular season.

31. Sterling Moore

Often overshadowed by others on the New England roster, Sterling Moore made a lasting impression when he knocked the ball out of Lee Evans’ hands during the waning seconds of the AFC Championship game.  Moore’s heads-up play, along with Billy Cundiff’s missed field goal, led to a Patriots victory, and a trip to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI.

Sterling Moore, the Patriots defender who knocked the ball out of Lee Evans' hands during the final minute of the 2012 AFC Championship game, became an instant hero in New England

Continued with Part II (30-16)… 

With Blake Griffin around, the world may soon have to tweak one of Benjamin Franklin’s most famous phrases to, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and Blake Griffin highlight reel dunks“.

The powerful and talented star of the Los Angeles Clippers was at it again during a recent matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In L.A.’s 112-100 home victory on January 30th, Griffin ignited the home crowd with yet another highlight reel dunk, this time treating Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins as if he were a Kia.

For those that live in a bubble, the aforementioned automobile reference is referring to Griffin’s final performance during the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where the former Oklahoma standout jumped (and dunked) over a car.

For those that missed the reference, Blake Griffin dunked over a Kia during the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Consider this a “Two for Tuesday” special at The Wife Hates Sports, as we present to you both videos (via YouTube), featuring Griffin’s ridiculous “pump you up” slam over Perkins, plus his Kia-inspired finale in last year’s dunk contest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w_Vy0lDk_A

Blake Griffin dunks over Kendrick Perkins during the Clippers 112-100 victory over the Thunder on January 30,2012 (YouTube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41EFwuBqEUA

Blake Griffin dunks over a Kia during the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest (YouTube)

In Blake, we trust.

The strike shortened NBA season is already twenty games in for most teams, and the Chicago Bulls currently have the best record in the Eastern conference, while the Oklahoma City Thunder currently are perched on top of the Western Conference.

The upcoming week features a number of key matchups, headlined by the Sunday evening star studded game between the Bulls and the Heat.

In KP’s inaugural NBA Power Rankings, the aforementioned Bulls and Thunder have earned the top two spots.  The surprising 76ers and Nuggets are also featured in the top ten.

Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls headline this week's NBA Power Rankings

KP’s NBA Power Rankings: January 29, 2012

* Statistics and rankings include results up to January 28, 2012

1. Chicago Bulls – 17-4 (101 points)

Chicago’s 87.0 points per game allowed is tied for the lowest in the NBA this season.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – 16-3 (97 points)

Kevin Durant and the Thunder have the best record in the Western conference

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook each are in the top ten in points per game average, combining for over 47 points per game.

3. Philadelphia 76ers – 14-6 (90 points)

The Sixers are outscoring opponents by nearly 12 points per game and the team’s 11.7 differential is the best in the NBA this season.

4. Atlanta Hawks – 14-6 (73 points)

In his first season seeing significant playing time, point guard Jeff Teague is averaging 12.4 points per game, 2.1 steals per game and shooting nearly 48% from the floor.

5. Miami Heat – 14-5 (71 points)

Despite an injury to Dwyane Wade, the “Big 3” each is still averaging more than twenty points per game, with LeBron James headlining the trio, scoring 29.2 per game.

6. Denver Nuggets – 14-5 (71 points)

The Nuggets have six players averaging in double digits, headlined by Danilo Gallinari, who leads the team averaging 17.9 points per game.

7. Houston Rockets – 12-8 (61 points)

Shooting guard Kevin Martin is averaging 20.1 points per game this season, and over his last three games played, he totaled 85 points in that span.

8. Dallas Mavericks – 12-8 (57 points)

With 16 games under his belt this season, it’s important to note that Dirk Nowitzki (17.5 ppg) is currently more than five points below his career average.

9. Indiana Pacers – 12-6 (56 points)

Danny Granger leads the team in points per game (16.8) and steals per game (1.5).

10. Orlando Magic – 12-7 (56 points)

Dwight Howard continues to put up gaudy numbers with the Magic.  His 15.6 rebounds per game are nearly two boards more per game than any other player in the NBA.

11. Portland Trail Blazers – 12-8 (52 points)

Of qualified players, Jamal Crawford currently leads the league in free throw percentage, missing just three on the year and posting a 94.9 percentage from the charity stripe.

12. San Antonio Spurs – 12-8 (49 points)

Kawhi Leonard has been a youthful compliment to the team, starting ten games on the year, and averaging 7.2 points per game.

13. Los Angeles Clippers – 10-6 (48 points)

Chris Paul leads the league in the steals to date, posting 2.55 per contest.

14. Memphis Grizzlies – 10-9 (42 points)

The Grizzlies have been very balanced offensively.  Just how balanced?  Tony Allen (9.9 ppg) is sixth on the team in scoring.

15. Utah Jazz – 11-7 (41 points)

Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and C.J. Miles are the only three Jazz team members to currently average in double figures on the season.

16. Boston Celtics – 9-9 (39 points)

Even with all the injuries and trade rumors, the Celtics have found a way to win four straight, including a huge comeback against the Magic a few days ago.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves – 9-10 (39 points)

Kevin Love’s 18 double-doubles (in 19 games) are currently four more than any other player in the NBA this season.

18. Los Angeles Lakers – 11-9 (29 points)

Kobe Bryant can't be pleased by the Lakers' 11-9 start this season

Kobe Bryant, averaging 30.0 points per game, leads the league in scoring and is the only current NBA player to average thirty-plus on the season.

19. Milwaukee Bucks – 8-11 (22 points)

Andrew Bogut, the team leader in rebounds and blocks, recently suffered another major injury and will be out for significant time.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers – 7-11 (6 points)

Kyrie Irving (17.6 points per game) and Antawn Jamison (15.3 points per game) are the only two players to average in double figures.

21. Golden State Warriors – 6-12 (5 points)

Of qualified players, Brandon Rush leads the league in three-point field goal percentage, posting a 57.1% percentage from behind the arc.

22. Phoenix Suns – 7-12 (4 points)

Marcin Gortat leads the team in points per game (14.8), rebounds per game (10.1) and blocks per game (1.6).

23. New York Knicks – 7-13 (1 point)

The Knicks have four players that average in double figures, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Iman Shumpert and Tyson Chandler.

24. New Jersey Nets – 7-13 (-1 point)

Deron Williams (19.4 ppg and 8.6 apg) has played well, but the team has struggled to perform.

25. New Orleans Hornets – 4-15 (-9 points)

Eric Gordon leads the team in points per game (21.0), steals per game (2.0) and even blocks per game (1.5).

26. Toronto Raptors – 6-14 (-11 points)

He’s only appeared in 13 of the team’s 20 games, but Andrea Bargnani is averaging 23.5 points per game, nearly ten more than any of his teammates.

27. Sacramento Kings – 6-14 (-26 points)

Defensive minded DeMarcus Cousins leads the team in rebounds (10.9 per game) and blocks (1.4 per game).

28. Washington Wizards – 4-16 (-27 points)

JaVale McGee leads the league in blocks per game, with an average of 3.15 per contest and 63 total blocks in Washington’s 20 games.

29. Detroit Pistons – 4-17 (-31 points)

Greg Monroe leads the team in points per game (15.8), rebounds per game (9.5) and steals per game (1.3).

30. Charlotte Bobcats – 3-18 (-45 points)

The Bobcats are 1-10 on the road and 0-8 versus the Southeast division so far this season.

* All stats per NBA.com

The Wife Hates Sports’ NBA Power Rankings system has a method to its madness, attempting to be different and not just rank by popularity and record.  It mixes a secret formula of six completely different categories, meshed into a points system.  The categories don’t just include team results regarding record, but how each team has performed recently, as well as incorporating some statistics on both a team’s offense and defense, too.