But the Giants love how Manning, perhaps because of the career-log scrutiny he has undergone due to his last name and his older brother Peyton, has stood up to the media pressure in the 24-hour-a-day news cycle of New York.

The Steelers and their fans, by comparison, have tolerated a bit of immaturity at times from Roethlisberger. Such as his stubborn reluctance to wear a motorcycle helmet, which led to a serious accident in 2006. That might not have played as well in New York.

There was no college rivalry, even if both played in Oxford — Manning in Oxford, Miss., Roethlisberger in Oxford, Ohio. They've met only a few times, and each said he has no relationship with the other.

"I really don't know those guys (Manning and Rivers) that well to call them up and talk about who's won this many or that many," Roethlisberger said. "Obviously, he (Manning) has done a good job. You never hear anything negative about him."

What is often overlooked is how Manning's first and only game until now against Roethlisberger began to shape his career.

Special feature NFL's most selfish people Special feature: The league's top 10 individuals who are out for themselves. NBCSports.com

During a 33-30 Steelers win at the Meadowlands late in the 2004 season, Manning displayed his talent in the NFL for the first time. He was 16-of-23 for 182 yards and two touchdowns and came close to ending a 12-game Steelers winning streak that, by the playoffs, stretched into a 15-game run.

So, just as Roethlisberger can thank the Giants for altering his career, Manning can do the same with the Steelers.

"I was coming off an awful game at Baltimore and I was going through some struggles," Manning said. "The Steelers' defense was one of the best in the league, but we came out and played well. I finally played decent for the first time and managed the game well and made some big plays. At the time it was important for me and my confidence, and the confidence of my teammates."

Confidence is something neither quarterback will lack Sunday in an important game matching two of the NFL's best teams.

"They've stood tall and accepted whatever challenge was thrown their way," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "They have each in their own right made outstanding contributions to the game and their franchises."

Also on NBCSports.com Rosenthal: Steelers’ struggles could sink their playoff hopes Circling the Bases: Dodgers unlikely to land Halladay Inside the Irish: Clausen reportedly involved in fight Opinion: So far, Nowitzki is NBA’s MVP  |  Fan Ranker Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Texans boot chances to beat rolling Titans PFT: Chargers on rise in latest power rankings PFT: Ryan thinks Patriots ‘disrespected’ Jets PFT: Cooley probably headed for injured reserve Trash Talk: Thanksgiving games are just turkeys PFT: Cowboys downplay Campo-Newman spat   Out of Bounds: Ricky Williams receives remote healing? PFT: Someone hacked Jet’s Twitter account   Roethlisberger expected to play despite concussion PFT: Lions coach takes issue with Mangini NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: