NFC [B]East: Fighting Amongst Themselves

First of all let me apologize for a misleading title.

Every single game that all four of these elite teams play is going to be important, interesting, and a downright slobber-knocker.

What games truly matter though? I decided to take a look at three contests that have blossomed on the horizon and are slowly approaching go time. The winners of these games becomes one step closer to capturing the ever-elusive NFC East title, and creeps even nearer to the mighty Lombardi Trophy.

No.3: New York Giants AT Philadelphia Eagles [Week 10]

Why this game is more important than any other

Simply put, the winner of this game gains ground on essentially every other division rival, as the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins are on a bye this same week.

What a Giants win could mean

If Big Blue can pull one out in Philly [Manning has yet to lose there] then they dispel the myth that can only beat up on lesser teams. A win at Philly would make them 3-0 in their last three contests, with wins AT Pittsburgh, Dallas at the Meadowlands, and at Philly.

It would also almost assure them a division spot as they would not be able to finish any worse than 9-7, and have a full two game lead on the ever resilient Washington Redskins.

What an Eagles win could mean

The Eagles may be 3-0 in their last three games, but they had the honor of beating up on San Francisco and the decimated Seattle Seahawks. A win would be huge and they would continue to climb the ladder and pull themselves to within one game of the Skins.

It would do even more for their chemistry as a team. To finally beat the Giants with Manning at the helm in Lincoln Financial would prove to the entire league that this team has something to fight for.

No.2: Dallas Cowboys AT Washington Redskins [Week 11]

Why this game is more important than any other

I feel that an extremely suitable answer for this would simply be: Tony Romo returns. The Cowboys lost the first one by only two points and are looking to rebound from a horrible loss to the G-Men.

What a Dallas win would mean

Big D has been without Big T for their past three games and went to a dismal 1-2 in those contests. It hasn't been pretty at all, especially in the media. Terrell Owens was recently quoted as saying "We kind of gave in after the first two weeks". Not exactly something you want your "Best" WR to go around saying.

A Dallas win here saves their season, I honestly believe that and you should too. They will drop even further in the division this week, regardless of a Philly win or Giants win. If they lose to the Redskins, and the Giants and Eagles dispose of Baltimore and Cincy, then their season will truly be a failure.

What a Redskins win would mean

The last time we saw Jason Campbell, he was being hit from whichever Steeler's defender blasted through the line. The Skins will need to do a better job at protecting Campbell if they want to win this game.

I don't see the former being a problem. The Cowboys defense fails greatly in comparison to the Pittsburgh Steelers and a win would do two things for Washington. The most important proving that they can rebound from a loss with a win, something they have already done twice. The second? Have the satisfaction of burying the Dallas season.

No.1: Philadelphia Eagles AT Washington Redskins [Week 16]

Why this game is more important than any other

Even though the final game of the season for Philly is against Dallas, I don't believe that Dallas will stay competitive and in contention for that long. This game is essentially for a spot in the playoffs.

What a Eagles win could mean

As stated above, this game could very well determine a playoff spot. With the NFC South performing at such a high level, the NFC East will not get two wild card spots. For sake of argument, say the Giants stay on top and clinch the East in the next couple weeks, then only one of these teams will get that critical spot in the post-season.

I expect to be able to sit back and enjoy a classic battle of NFC East rivals, and enjoy the results no matter what they may be.

What a Redskins win could mean

The Redskins had their tougher half of the schedule already pass them by and they did tremendously in that span, going 6-3 with losses to the Steelers, Giants, and the lowly Rams. A win here, like Philly, would almost lock in a playoff spot.

Jim Zorn could very well be in line for Coach of The Year if he can secure a nice playoff berth and I think that's exactly what will happen.

Season Outlook

The Giants may have a drastically hard remaining schedule [their last 10 opponents had a winning percentage above .500] but I am confident that they secure the NFC East title.

The games listed here should be extremely crucial in how the wild card gets dealt this year. Should be a fantastic second half. One that all football fans will be able to enjoy.

Written by, Edited by, and Developed by Travis Rand, New York Giant's Community Leader