END OF 2005 SEASON
Despite a subpar performance in the Super Bowl, the Steelers earned their first NFL championship in 26 years by beating the top three seeds in the AFC (Colts, Broncos, Bengals) and the top seed in the NFC (Seahawks). Even the Jaguars, with an impressive-looking 12-4 record, came into the playoffs ahead of the Steelers, but Jacksonville's quick playoff exit was foretold by their 3-3 record against teams with winning records (versus 9-1 against losing teams).
In the NFC, the Buccaneers stole the NFC South from the Panthers on the last weekend of the season but promptly lost their playoff opener to the Redskins. The wildcard Panthers nearly duplicated the Steelers' performance by crushing the Giants and Bears before falling in the NFC championship game when forced to play their fourth-string RB. The Seahawks parlayed their #1 seed into their first Super Bowl appearance ever. Thanks to everyone for playing this year!
CURRENT NFL STANDINGS
AFC Division Leaders: Patriots, Bengals, Colts, Broncos; AFC Wild Card Teams: Jaguars, Steelers
NFC Division Leaders: NY Giants, Bears, Buccaneers, Seahawks; NFC Wild Card Teams: Panthers, Redskins
CURRENT PROGNOSTICATION STANDINGS
| Rank | Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bill Flint | 12.37 pts |
| 2 | Tom Halfhill | 11.25 pts |
| 3 | Larry Beil (KGO TV)* | 10.38 pts |
| 4 | Ronald W. Anderson | 10.32 pts |
| 5 | AJ Flint | 10.31 pts |
| 6 | Barbara Gwennap and Paul | 9.33 pts |
| 7 | Mark Santor | 9.32 pts |
| 8 | JJ Binx | 9.29 pts |
| 9 | Pro Football Weekly* | 8.38 pts |
| 10 | Rodney Spencley | 8.34 pts |
| 11 | John van Gelder | 8.28 pts |
| 12 | ESPN.com Sports Guy* | 8.09 pts |
| 13 | CONSENSUS PICKS | 7.31 pts |
| 14 | Jim McGovern | 7.29 pts |
| 15 | Dr Z (Sports Ill)* | 7.22 pts |
| 16 | Cris Carter (Yahoo.com)* | 6.38 pts |
| 17 | Peter King (Sports Ill)* | 6.34 pts |
| 18 | Linley Gwennap | 6.29 pts |
| 19 | Jim Turley | 4.38 pts |
Click on any name above to view their preseason picks
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