Bill Williamson

When the helmets of the two Super Bowl teams are painted onto the field at Dolphins Stadium, it come down to this: A powerful, worthy AFC team will be readying for a NFC team that survived a postseason full of question marks.

In the NFC, the Super Bowl participant won’t be a celebration of domination and success. The team with the least issues will emerge.

And that’s why you must keep an eye on the Philadelphia Eagles.

A couple of moths ago, this seemed absurd in so many ways. With quarterback Donavan McNabb — the Eagles’ leader and best player went down for the year with a torn ACL in his knee — on the sidelines, there appeared to be no way the Eagles could contend for a playoff spot, let alone a Super Bowl berth. But as we prepare for the divisional playoffs, the Eagles seem like the steadiest in the unsteady conference.

Get past the McNabb issue — and the Eagles clearly have with the inspired, resurgent play of journeyman quarterback Jeff Garcia — and Philadelphia have fewer questions that the other NFC contenders.

The No. 1-seeded Bears, who play host to the Seahawks on Sunday, can’t be looked at as a sure thing. In fact, Chicago has as many trouble spots heading into the postseason as any top seed in recent memory. Quarterback Rex Grossman has regressed at a terrifying rate and doesn’t have his teammates’ confidence. The vaunted Chicago defense has injuries and isn’t as nasty as it was at midseason.

EAGLES AT SAINTS      Saints 27, Eagles 24 Saints' magical run continues Opinion: Saints give city another boost Brees-New Orleans love affair grows stronger Soft defense proves costly for Eagles Commissioner applauds Saints fans Playoff schedule |   Discussion boards

No. 2 seed New Orleans — who the Eagles visit on Saturday — is powerful on offense, but on defense, the Saints aren’t foolproof. They have given up 30-plus points in a quarter of their games. And the Saints enter the postseason losers of two of their past three games.

Seattle is barely breathing. It finished the season in a major slump. Its stars aren’t playing well and the only reason the Seahawks will be in Chicago this weekend is because of Tony Romo’s wobbly hands.

The Eagles? Well, the Eagles are cruising along. The Eagles don’t have a lot of issues and are playing the best football of any team in the conference.

That’s why, remarkably, this team may be the best bet to represent the conference in the Super Bowl in Miami on Feb. 4 

We have to get past the idea that this team is a liability without McNabb. Yes, McNabb is a first-rate quarterback, better than Garcia. But the Eagles are playing balanced, solid football with Garcia in the lineup. The Eagles were 5-5 with McNabb. They are 6-1 since.

You have to understand Mama McNabb when she recently wrote on a website that she is a bit torn. She wants the Eagles to win the Super Bowl, but it would also make her son look bad.

On the surface that is true. But really, the Eagles’ late-season surge with Garcia is a testament to McNabb. With McNabb, the Eagles relied too much on his leadership and ability. Without McNabb, the Eagles have rallied. His teammates understand that Garcia needs their help. Everyone stepped up, including coach Andy Reid. He and his staff have presented masterful game plans.

SEAHAWKS AT BEARS      Bears 27, Seahawks 24 Bears fend off Seahawks in OT; Saints next Bears defense comes up big when it counts Opinion: Grossman shows guts, grabs glory 'We had this game,' lament shocked 'Hawks Opinion: Loss encapsulates baffling season Opinion: Saints will challenge Bears D Playoff schedule |   Discussion boards

The Eagles have won six straight — including three straight road games. While the wild-card win over the visiting New York Giants was sealed in the final seconds on a David Akers field goal, the Eagles were the better team all game.

They were solid on offense and defense. In addition to Garcia managing the offense well and not trying to do too much. The Eagles running game has come alive.

Running back Brian Westbrook has taken McNabb’s place as the focal point of the offense. He has five 100-yard rushing games in the past two months. Against the Giants last week, Westbrook ran for 141 yards.

Throughout the roster, this team has stepped up to the challenge since McNabb was carted off the field Nov. 19 at against Tennessee.

During the six-game win streak, the Eagles’ defense allowed a high of 24 points. The defense has purpose. It won’t be scared to face the Saints’ attack this weekend. It has the confidence  that the entire Philadelphia organization has.

The Eagles are playing like a team that wants to go to the Super Bowl. And in the NFC, that may be enough.

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Happy Thanksgivings for Pack, ’Boys, Giants Pompei: Like it or not, Lions to stay on Thanksgiving   Fantasy Fix: No more Romo?   PFTV Video: Possible coaching change for Jets PFT: Orton, Eli probable for Thursday night game PFT: Shanahan meets with Bills, for seven hours PFT: Hester wants ‘moon’ talk behind him   PFT Extra: Should Rex Ryan be mad?   Slideshow: The Greatest traditions in sports   Vote: Do you watch the NFL on Thanksgiving? NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: