NFC Playoff Picture: New York Giants Will Play Conference Spoiler

The New York Giants will face off with the rival Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East title next week. Even though they haven't even secured a playoff berth yet, the Giants have the look of a possible spoiler once the postseason begins, should they get in.

The Giants picked up an impressive victory over the New York Jets on Saturday. With both teams fighting for their playoff lives, the Giants thoroughly demolished Rex Ryan's bunch.

It was a rock-solid performance that should put the NFC on notice.

Even though they haven't been able to play with that much of an edge on a weekly basis, the Giants have shown glimpses of being a true contender throughout the season.

Injuries have played a major role in their inconsistency, especially on defense. If that unit can continue to attack with the same ferocity which forced three turnovers and sacked Mark Sanchez five times, however, it will make the Giants all the more dangerous.

Eli Manning has struggled and had his worst two games of the season in consecutive weeks, but he was previously having one of the best seasons of his career.

He's proven in the past that he can step up in key moments, which is vital come playoff time.

Perhaps the biggest thing working in New York's advantage is their mentality. It always seems like the Giants step up when their backs are against the wall. As soon as they get counted out, they bounce back and starting making waves.

Tom Coughlin is seemingly always on the hot seat in New York, but he gets his players fired up when it matters most.

Should they earn a berth, they'll be overlooked because of their record. There's enough talent to make a run, though.

The Giants only lost by a field goal against the vaunted Green Bay Packers a couple weeks ago, which shows they won't be a pushover.

First thing's first, they must take care of business against the Cowboys for a second time. A bounce-back game from Manning will go a long way in making sure that happens. He threw for 400 yards in the first meeting in early December.

A similar performance could spark an unexpected playoff run by the G-Men.