With all the moving parts in the NFL each year, there’s always one thing we can count on: a competitive race in the NFC East.

The Giants will wake up tomorrow two full games ahead of the Eagles, Cowboys and Redskins. But have you seen their schedule? Here it is: at New England, at San Francisco, vs. Philadelphia, at New Orleans, vs. Green Bay, at Dallas, vs. Washington, at New York Jets, vs. Dallas.

There is —- literally (Rob Lowe’s Parks and Recreation voice) —- not one easy game on that schedule.

But you know what? I think the Giants can go 5-4 in this closing stretch, putting them at 10 wins and in a good spot for a playoff spot, if not the division title.

Because if there’s something else we can count on, it’s that Tom Coughlin’s Giants always disappoint when you expect too much, and surprise when you think it’s time to count them out.

This will be one of my favorite storylines for the next two months, and a defining stretch for Eli Manning’s career.

- steven lebron