With the Seahawks capturing a win at home and the Giants stealing one on the road during the Wild Card round, the true challenge comes when the Hawks and Giants face the top two NFC teams – the Cowboys and Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

#3 Seattle Seahawks @ #2 Green Bay Packers

Sat., Jan. 12 @ 4:30 p.m.

Lookin’ Good: Seahawks defense

With four sacks and two interceptions on the day, the Seahawks’ much-improved and often dominating defense helped shut down Redskins QB Todd Collins. Expect the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Packers and Seahawks to come down to which team plays the best defense.

Seen Better Days: Seahawks running game

The Seahawks running game ain’t what it used to be, which is why the Hawks have favored the pass. However, the Hawks will need to balance their offensive attack to keep the Green Bay defense honest and take some pressure off of QB Matt Hasselbeck.

Edge: Packers

Let’s face it – Lambeau Field isn’t exactly a walk in the park. The Packers (7-1 at home) have lost just two playoff games at home all-time. What’s more, the Seahawks (3-5 on the road this season) may get a little homesick during the NFC divisional round.

#5 New York Giants @ #1 Dallas Cowboys

Sun., Jan. 13 @ 4:30 p.m.

Lookin’ Good: Giants QB Eli Manning

With lights-out showings against the Patriots in Week 17 and against the Buccaneers, Manning looks a changed QB. In the Giants’ win over the Bucs, Manning completed 20-27 passes for 185 yards and two TDs, finishing with a 117.1 passer rating. However, as the competition gets tougher, it will be interesting to see how the young Manning handles the pressure.

Seen Better Days: Cowboys WR Terrell Owens

With the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Giants just around the corner, the Cowboys may be without their star wide out Terrell Owens, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 16. T.O. – who had 81 receptions for 1,355 yards and an NFC-leading 15 TDs in the regular season – is still limping and his return remains a game-time decision.

Edge: Cowboys

Granted, the Giants are a good road team (8-1 this season, including their win on the road against the Bucs), but the Cowboys have had the Giants’ number this season, outplaying and sweeping the Giants with a 10-point win in Week 1 and an 11-point win in Week 10.