By Darryl Reina
My congratulations to the opportunistic Pittsburgh Steelers for winning Super Bowl XL, 21-10 over the Seattle Seahawks. Despite not winning the ring for over two decades, the sixth-seed Steelers found ways to win the games that counted most this year. RealGM.com is pleased to make the Steelers their #1 team for the 2005-2006 season. May all of you enjoy the upcoming draft, free agency, salary-cap issues, the coaching carousel, planning for next year's fantasy selections, and of course predicting which teams will meet in next season's Super Bowl.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: Big offensive plays by MVP Ward and Parker, plus a tough defense, was enough to beat Seattle this year. Congratulations to the Rooney family.
2. Seattle Seahawks: The NFC's elite team made too many mistakes and could not take advantage of their opportunities to score. Will Alexander be back next season?
3. Indianapolis Colts: A disappointing last month for the Colts. Look for this team to rebound in 2006. My choice for the AFC's rep in next seasons' Super Bowl.
4. Denver Broncos: Will T.O. or Ricky Williams be scoring TD's for the Broncos next season?
5. Carolina Panthers: As long as their key offensive components stay healthy, this team will again compete with the NFL's best.
6. New England Patriots: Many of the media "experts" are choosing the Pats to be in the title game next season. Can this team re-group and make another title run?
7. New York Giants: The Giants will be the favorites in the NFC-East, but can they win the important games?
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This team has a solid defensive and a good running game. Can Simms continue to grow under Gruden?
9. Cincinnati Bengals: How long will Palmer be out of action? This team has lots of weapons as they prepare for next season.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: One of only 6 NFL's franchises left who have not been Super Bowl bound. Probably the best bet of any of those teams left.
11. Chicago Bears: Look out for this team if their offense can catch-up to their defense.
12. Washington Redskins: This team is paying some high priced Coaches with only fair to good results. Does this team have enough football talent to reach the next level?
The rest----
13. Kansas City Chiefs: Good-luck Coach Edwards!
14. San Diego Chargers: Can Marty bounce back from this season?s disappointment?
15. Dallas Cowboys: Bill's back in the fold.
16. Miami Dolphins: A franchise on the rise under Saban.
17. Minnesota Vikings: A new Coach is in place, but will Culpepper be back at QB?
18. Atlanta Falcons: Will Michael Vick return from being "LOST?"
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Will they successfully reinvent themselves?
20. Cleveland Browns: This teams has a bright future. Patience is a virtue.
21. Baltimore Ravens: Will Boller continue to move this team forward?
22. St. Louis Rams: Will their new Coach make an immediate difference in a so-so division?
23. Buffalo Bills: Can Marv and Dick turn this team around?
24. Oakland Raiders: Will Al turn the reins over to Coach Whisenhunt?
25. Tennessee Titans: A solid Coach returns with less than solid players? Are they one or two drafts away from competing?
26. New York Jets: Can the Jets stay healthy for their new Coach?
27. Green Bay Packers: Just what the Packers needed, the 49ers offensive coordinator as their new Coach. Will Farve be back at QB?
28. Detroit Lions: Will the new Coaching staff really matter?
29. Arizona Cardinals: Will Coach Green survive on the desert?
30. San Francisco 49ers: Coach Turner moves across the Bay to aid Alex Smith's development.
31. New Orleans Saints: The Saints return to the Superdome in September. Will they bounce back with a healthy Deuce?
32. Houston Texans: Kubiak is in as Coach, and Bush looks like their #1 pick in the draft.




