New York Giants: How They Match Up with the NFC's Top Dogs

There's no denying that the Giants are on a bit of a roll.

After winning five straight games, the most recent of which was a 41-7 clobbering of the Seattle Seahawks, the Giants have grabbed the attention of the NFC.

Tied with the Falcons (before their win against Baltimore) on top the NFC, people are starting to talk about a possible Big Blue visit to Dallas in February, the site of Super Bowl XLV.

Still, some are a bit hesitant to hop on the G Train just yet, wondering how the Giants will match up against other high-rolling NFC teams.

So, let's see who the Giants' biggest road blocks to the Super Bowl are.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks the tackle of Michael Adams #27 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

How are the Bucs 5-3? They are 21st in offensive yardage and 24th in defensive yardage.

It might be because of their schedule. The best team they've taken down thus far is St. Louis, at 4-4.

Nonetheless, they have three major running weapons in Cadillac Williams, LeGarrette Blount and quarterback Josh Freeman, who also has an 85.8 passer rating.

The trio has a combined 695 rushing yards.

If the Giants face the Bucs in the playoffs, they'll need to be on their toes against the run.

4. New Orleans Saints (6-3)

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 31: Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints hauls in a pass during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images)

The defending Super Bowl champs are on a prowl for a repeat.

With Drew Brees' 91.7 passer rating and four running backs with over 100 yards, they have a legitimate chance of doing just that.

However, it's defenses that win championships and they got one, leading the NFL in stopping the pass and third in overall defensive yardage.

Wait, this sounds a lot like the Giants. Prominent quarterback, a couple of solid running backs and a stingy defense. What a great matchup this would be.

Guaranteed, whoever is the home team will be the favorie if these teams meet in the playoffs.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3)

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 07: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts on November 7, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Colts 26-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

It pains me to say this, but what a season the Eagles are having.

Even with a small dose of quarterback controversy, they are a very solid 5-3 team, recently taking down the Colts.

Michael Vick has been outstanding this season, rushing for over 250 yards and having a 105.3 passer rating. Couple this with LeSean McCoy's 572 yards, and you have one hell of an offense.

The Eagles always give the Giants a run for their money.  They came into the Meadowlands two years ago and knocked out the Giants in the playoffs.

However, the fact that the Giants play them twice before the season's end benefits Big Blue because they are simply the better overall team and thus have less of a chance of being surprised by the Eagles in the playoffs.

But, don't get me wrong, the Eagles could very well take the NFC East.

2. Green Bay Packers (6-3)

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 03: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions runs as A.J. Hawk #50 the Green Bay Packers moves for the tackle at Lambeau Field on October 3, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 28-26. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/

Green Bay has the league's second-best scoring defense. Couple that with Aaron Rodgers' and Brandon Jackson's offensive production, and you have an elite team.

I still think the Giants are the better team.

Ahmad Bradshaw beats Jackson, Eli Manning beats Rodgers, Hakeem Nicks beats Greg Jennings and the Giants D-line beats theirs. They have the edge in linebacking, and possibly the secondary.

The only way that the Packers beat the Giants in the playoffs is if it's at Lambeau. 

1. Atlanta Falcons (7-2)

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons react after White's touchdown reception in the final seconds against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevi

The Falcons proved that they are legit when they beat the Ravens.

Matt Ryan has had 16 touchdowns, while Micheal Turner has run for 733 yards.

They did however show some vulnerability when they lost to the Eagles by two touchdowns. Still, they sit atop the NFC with the Giants.

The key for the Giants in a possible playoff matchup against the Falcons is time of possession, or more simply put, Turner vs. Bradshaw.

Who can run more and control the clock? The running game is what decides this one.