I think you might be getting them confused with the 2011 squad.
They went 10-6 with 4 of their losses coming to 13-3 GB, 13-3 DAL (x2), and the 16-0 Pats, and were pretty comfortably the 5 seed.
That year, they were largely held back by a struggling Eli Manning, as 5 of their 10 wins happened with him posting a passer rating under 60.
But once he put it together, they beat all 3 of the previously mentioned title contenders in the playoffs, and then continued their success into 2008.
Despite losing HOF’er Michael Strahan, the 08 Giants club started 11-1, beating all 4 conference championship participants, including the SB winning Steelers on the road.
Then Plaxico Burress shot hindelf him the leg, and it fell apart.
In short, they were much better than their record.