The Bears have an excellent chance of winning the NFC. Their defense ensures that they will be in any game.
The Giants are too streaky and a year or two away from making real noise.
The Seahawks are kind of the unknown commodity. They haven't really played any big games. They're about as quiet of a 13-2 team as I have ever seen. Having the Colts go 13-0 didn't help any either.
To me, the Seahawks and the Bears are the class of the NFC. Dallas, Washington, Carolina, and Tampa are all pretenders.
As for the AFC, I think the Colts are still way above anyone else. Denver is good, as is New England. But I just don't think either has what it takes to take the Colts in the RCA Dome. New England has been playing much better of late, but they're still not the team they were in years past.
Denver's running game is great and Plummer hasn't shot himself in the foot this season like he has in previous years. But I doubt the Bronco D can contain the Colt O.
Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and KC are decent teams. But I doubt if any of them will be playing in the conference semis. Jax has a shot if Leftwich is ready for the first game. Pittsburgh just doesn't have that game-breaking weapon. KC is dangerous with Johnson running the ball and with the receivers they have.
But until the pairings are set, I will make no predictions as to whom will be playing in the conference championship games. I would like to see Seattle/Chicago and Indy/Denver though.