[Biggirl]

When I saw some of the Giants go down tonight, and come next weekend, if the 49ers bang up a few more Giants, could these same Giants come up to a much stronger Pats team come SB time if they survive the next game, having survived being banged up by SF?

These Pats in the playoffs are not the same Pats of the regular season.

[DarthVader]

Well they got right back up and got back in game. I would not crow too much about beating Denver or the Ravens next week. The AFC is becoming the weaker conference as these things cycle and the offense of Denver and Baltimore are predictable and easy to stop even by average defenses. The Pats will get a rude awakening just like the Steelers did last year as the NFC now has the edge in physical dominance.

[Dysart]

Oh, I agree, in theory, but we don't know what might happen when a physical Baltimore team butts heads with NE. They can't really match up well otherwise, so they will try to get physical with them I reckon. Might they clobber, hobble a few Pats in the process?

Still, smart money would be on NE, no matter their opponent. Giants are in a groove though, and if they might also get some guys healthy before the big game. One thing's for sure: In the playoffs the hottest and healthiest team almost always prevails.

Me, I'm pulling for SF at this juncture, just because I like they're style and spirited play. NE vs that defense would be a fun ride.

[kearnyirish2]

“These Pats in the playoffs are not the same Pats of the regular season.”

Giants been there, done that (with the same coach/QB, to the same coach/QB). I just like talking smack; no analytics involved, just pure emotion. Go Giants!