After a great NFL season, it only makes sense that the playoffs would be equally exciting – and while no games have yet been played, the 2008 NFC playoffs are shaping up to be something special. The defending Superbowl champs, the upstart Philadelphia Eagles and the absence of the Dallas Cowboys are perhaps the highlights of the NFC bracket.

Additionally, the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons are all in – and looking to replace the Giants as kings of the NFC.

The action starts this weekend with the NFC Wild Card playoffs which will pit the Atlanta Falcons against the Arizona Cardinals while the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Vikings of Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Giants and Panthers are waiting in the wings in the Divisional round next week.

There’s nothing like the NFL playoffs, so go grab some tickets for the round of your choice – and don’t forget to pick up your Super Bowl tickets.

Sunday’s matchup between the Pittsburg Steelers and New York Giants was, for many pundits, a preview of this year’s Super Bowl. The Giants, led by Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, and Plaxico Burress look like contenders to make a repeat appearance in the Super Bowl, while the Steelers, led by Ben Rothelesburger and Hines Ward are looking to take the next step in returning as the AFC champions after a 2 year drought.

In a back-and-forth matchup that saw 5 lead changes, it was the Giants who pulled it out with 12 of their 21 points coming in the fourth quarter. John Carney converted four field goals for the Giants who struggled to find the end zone until there were just over 3 minutes left in the game when Manning found Kevin Boss for a two-yard touchdown which effectively sealed that game for the Giants.

After watching the game, there’s no doubt that these two teams could be seeing each other down the road for the NFL’s championship. Keep an eye on both teams and grab some Super Bowl tickets now.