The worst thing about the bye week before the Super Bowl is that sports geeks like me get inundated with stories that casual observers find interesting. Things like Tom Brady limping into Giselle Bundchen’s pad in a walking boot.

The best thing about the bye week before the Super Bowl is that sports geeks like me get inundated with statistics that most rational people could care less about, things like:

The 14-playoff victories this decade (2000-present) tie the Patriots with the Steelers and Cowboys of the 1970’s for most playoff wins in a decade. It took Tom Landry’s ‘Boys 21-games to notch those 14-W’s, while Chuck Knolls’ Steel Curtain needed 18-contests for theirs. Bill Belichick’s troops, who most assuredly will set that new standard Sunday or during the two years remaining this decade, needed only 16-games to amass the total.

You’re probably aware that with a triumph in Super Bowl XLII, the Pats would become the first team in NFL history with 19-wins in a season. They’re currently tied with the 1984 49ers and 1985 Bears, both of whom went 15-1 in the regular season before sweeping their three playoff contests.

You’re also probably aware that the only blemish on the Bears mark was that famous week 13 loss to Dan Marino and the Dolphins on Monday Night Football. But how many people remember who handed Joe Montana and the Niners their sole setback in ’84? (answer below)

The name Asante means “thank you” in Swahili. In the NFL dictionary, it apparently means “interception,” as New England cornerback Asante Samuel leads the league in picks over the last two seasons with 16. According to Samuel’s agent, Alonzo Shavers, Asante also translates to “cha-ching” in the language of unrestricted free agency.

Speaking of money, did you realize the University of Phoenix is paying $154-million over 20-years for the naming rights to the Stadium which will host Super Bowl XLII? Tuition at the school is more than $13,000. Not sure about the laid back folks in the Southwest, but if I’m footing the bill to attend the school, I’m wondering how much of my money goes into that needless expense?

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers should keep the network censors happy with another PG-rated halftime performance devoid of costume malfunctions. However, with Paula Abdul set to debut her new music video during the pre-game show, we may very likely witness the first sanity malfunction since organizers thought it wise to surround Michael Jackson with hundreds of children during his 1993 performance.

Superstitious fans should root for the Patriots to lose the coin flip. The Pats have come up on the wrong end of the heads-tails debate in their 3 Super Bowl triumphs. Overall, the team that has won the toss is 19-22, but has lost the last four in a row and nine of the last eleven.

Lonnie Paxton is my new, favorite Patriot. Turns out the real name of New England’s long snapper is Leonidas Earl Paxton III and he’s a descendant of King Leonidas of Sparta, the fearless Greek warrior featured in the movie “300.” How cool is that?

One man’s prediction; Patriots 34-17...Perfection has a new poster child!

Trivia answer: the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only team to beat the 1984 49ers. The game was played during week 7.

If you have any trivial matters you’d like to share regarding the big game, share them with us!