PHILADELPHIA -- This game was a perfect example of why much of the NFC is an unfiltered, smells-like-Warren Sapp's-jockstrap, stinks-out-loud mess.

Brandon Jacobs loses two fumbles, including a key drop in the fourth quarter. (US Presswire)

Brandon Jacobs looks like he's 58 years old and weighs more than Tony Siragusa. Eli Manning still plays quarterback with the frenetic nervousness of a woman who's water is about to break.

The Eagles were fighting for a playoff spot, still alive, but they were careless with penalties, and if it wasn't for the oversized vena cava and stubborn determination of the most undervalued athlete in all of sports -- running back Brian Westbrook -- the Eagles would be the Cincinnati Bengals minus the arrests.

Garbage, this NFC.

Even the way the Giants earned their 16-13 victory -- basically ending the Eagles' season -- was typical of these teams and this underperforming conference.

Philadelphia (5-8) lined up for a 57-yard David Akers field goal with five seconds left. The football careened off the right upright. It hit with a thud, a perfect symbol.

Goodnight, Philadelphia. Enjoy the playoffs on CBS.

When asked if the loss summed up the Eagles' year, coach Andy Reid said: "I'm not going to sum it up because we're not done yet."

Sure, the Eagles have a chance to make the playoffs. It all depends on how much they want to spend on tickets.

The NFC has turned into a battle of who will suck the least. Or: Which team will be the last wanker standing.

Perfect example. After leading 7-6 at halftime the Eagles, following a Jacobs fumble, got the ball at the New York 8 early in the third quarter. Again, remember, Philadelphia's season was on the line.

What do the Eagles do? They mount an inspirational, awe-inspiring four-play drive for minus-4 yards and kick a field goal. First: false start. First official play: Donovan McNabb sack. Second play: short gain. Third play: incomplete pass, followed by the field goal. That series was the most crucial for Philadelphia, and it was perhaps its lamest.

After the game, players in a depressed Eagles locker room spoke of the missed opportunities and how they should have won more games. McNabb spoke of how there were too many mistakes at the worst time that led to field goals instead of touchdowns.

The Giants had equally stupefying moments. The team has talent but remains wild and undisciplined. Receiver Plaxico Burress is tough but uncontrollable. He was called for a delay of game penalty after spiking the football and twice screamed at members of the Giants coaching staff as he walked off the field.

Then Jacobs (22 carries for 70 yards and two lost fumbles) had a key fumble in the fourth quarter on a drive that would have enabled New York to put the game away. Instead the Eagles recovered at their own 5.

But this is why the Giants are so darn frustrating. Just when they look awful and play down to their competition, they shock you.

Not long after Burress' bone-headed spike, the Giants had a first down at the Philadelphia 20. The Eagles decided to pressure Manning with a blitz and left Burress covered one-on-one toward the left. Burress and Manning noticed the middle of the field was empty -- no safety -- and Burress quickly darted inside. He made the easy catch and scored. It was 13-10.

Burress saved the day for the Giants. In all, he had seven catches for 136 yards and a touchdown. Even more interesting is that just minutes before the game was to start, Burress, who is playing with a hurt ankle and knee, temporarily left the field and returned to the locker room.

"I'm day to day," Burress said. "I'm getting better."

For the ankle Burress has been utilizing a healing combination of thrice-a-day therapy, acupuncture and massage. The Giants don't care if Burress sees a witch doctor if the lanky receiver can keep playing like he did against Philadelphia.

"I always feel confident he'll get open and make some plays but I feel that way about all of our receivers," said Manning.

Manning also admitted he twice missed tight end Jeremy Shockey for wide-open big gains. If the Giants are going to make noise in the postseason, Manning will definitely have to get sharper.

Burress was spectacular, and he was also, well, Burress. After every big catch he would jog back along the Philadelphia sideline mouthing off to the Eagles.

The Giants are a lock to make the postseason thanks in part to teams completely disintegrating around them. They are a flawed product -- like every team in the NFC, except Dallas -- but a dangerous defensive line led by Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora as well as an improving Burress could make them formidable.

"We're just finding ways to win games," Manning said.

Last year they were finding ways to lose. Now they're capturing close ones.

But in the NFC that's not exactly difficult, is it?