The NFC has always played second fiddle to the AFC, but after the Giants shocked the world in Super Bowl XLII, they are second fiddle no more.

You read it, the NFC conference will come in to the 2008-09 NFL football season with a sense of pride, knowing that one of the teams from their faction have went on to become the Super Bowl champions, one of the biggest accomplishments a team can achieve in the world of sports.

That team of course was the New York Giants, coming out of the NFC to beat the team deemed as unbeatable, the New England Patriots, in a shocking upset in Glendale, Arizona. Can another NFC team follow the Giants’ path this season? Can this conference once again show the AFC who truly is better?

Of course, when you talk about the NFC, the New York Giants should still be there on top. They are, after all, the defending Super Bowl champions and they’ll still be champions of football until somebody proves otherwise. Sure, the Giants lost Michael Strahan to retirement, but the maturity Eli Manning has shown should be enough to make another run to the title.

The Dallas Cowboys should be right there with them. They still have a very good Tony Romo - Terrell Owens combo and with them adding another piece, with the signing of Adam ‘’Pacman'’ Jones, the Cowboys have significantly improved an already great defense to go side-by-side with their high-flying offense.

Besides, Tony Romo can’t possibly choke for the third straight year right?

Not far behind are the Philadelphia Eagles. Like the Cowboys, the Eagles have a strong combination of offense and defense. When healthy, they can compete with any team in the league.

If Donovan McNabb can stay on the field all season for a change, Philadelphia will make the playoffs and be in a good position for a shot at the title.

The Minnesota Vikings, with last season’s rookie of the year Adrian Peterson, should make some noise in the NFC as well. They have already formed a good young nucleus to build on, and Peterson will serve as its backbone.

Brett Favre was rumored to be on the verge of being a part of the Minnesota Vikings this offseason too, but with the Packers finally deciding to keep the veteran, the search for a solid guy to man the QB spot in Minnesota continues.

More experience at the quarterback position will put them a lot closer to that goal and be a much better bet to win a Super Bowl ring.

Who will win Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida? Bodog sportsbook has the odds on that one people.

New York Giants 17.00

New England Patriots 4.50

Dallas Cowboys 7.00

Indianapolis Colts 8.50

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more football betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

2008 NFL Season NFC Conference