Dream Matchup No. 1: Super Bowl XLIII, Eli vs. Favre, Round Two

This will be the first article in an ongoing series of dream match-ups that EVERY fan would love to see.

Being born in New York, the No. 1 thing I would love to see when it comes to the NFL, would be the New York Giants versus the New York Jets in Super Bowl XLIII.

What's the Importance?

How about what isn't the importance? It's a New Yorker's dream and a Bostonian's nightmare. Brett Favre was in last year's NFC championship game in what was one of the greatest of all time. All signs pointed to a Packers victory—the weather, the spread, and the man under center.

The inconsistent-for-so-long Eli Manning goes on to win a Super Bowl and take home MVP, shortly after beating the Green Bay Packers in overtime. Two months later Favre retires, and two months later returns. He then goes to the New York Jets and becomes the most talked about quarterback in New York since Joe Namath.

What would it mean for each team? 

New York Giants: It would simply mean that last year wasn't a fluke. It wasn't lucky, it was pure football skill.

It would mean that they tamed the NFL's toughest division and made it to their second straight Super Bowl. It would mean that the Giants would be a dominant team for years to come, and a force to be reckoned with. It would show the rest of the league that they can win without Strahan, Shockey, and Osi. Most of all however, it would mean that a Manning family would have a shot at their third straight Lombardi Trophy

New York Jets: Remember last year when the best move in football was the Patriots snagging Randy Moss for a fourth-round pick? Well, if the Jets go to the dance this year, it would be as big as the aforementioned deal. It would show us all that age doesn't matter and that you can have grey hair for five years and still be an elite quarterback.

What would have to happen to make this possible?

The Giants and Jets would have to continue the dominance that they have demonstrated so far. The playoffs are definitely within reach for both clubs, and wouldn't surprise many people to see at least one New York team represented in this year's big one.

The two teams currently have a combined record of 8-2 and are leading or tied for the division lead. It's very possible that this dream can be reality. That is... Unless Manning turns into 2006 Manning and Favre decides to retire... again.

Written by, Edited by, Developed by Travis Rand New York Giants and NFL Bleacher Reporter