Two cringe-worthy phrases arising this time of year in the NFL are “on pace for’’ and “if the season ended today.’’

But they are irresistible, no matter how insignificant the findings turn out to be. So bear with us.

If the season ended today … the Giants (4-4) would win the NFC East, be the No. 4 seed in the conference and face the No. 5 Falcons (6-2) in a playoff opener at MetLife Stadium. That is almost hard to fathom.

Eli Manning is on pace for … the best season of his career, thanks in large part to his statistical explosion (six touchdown passes) last week against the Saints. He is completing a career-best 66 percent of his passes and would wind up with 4,252 yards and a career-high 34 touchdowns. His eight interceptions would be a career low.