The Pittsburgh Steelers are defending champs of the AFC's North Division. The Steelers were a solid team in the 2004 NFL Season and through the 2005 playoffs until the ran into a juggernaut that was the eventual Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots. The Steelers have most of the core of that team that did so well last season back including last year's rookie sensation, and last years NFL Rookie of the Year Ben Rothlisberger. In the 2004 the Steelers were 14-1 under Rothlisberger as starting quarterback, and the one loss came during the loss in the AFC Championship.

The Steelers might be facing a little uncertainty as the club was not immune to the effects of off season free agency, as the team lost Plaxico Burress, Oliver Ross and Kendrell Bell. The Steelers still have the strong legs of Jerome Bettis to run behind, and returning from injury Duce Staley. After Staley succumed to injury Bettis stepped up to produce 13 touchdowns and six 100 yards or more rushing games. Another effective weapon on the offensive side of the ball is wide receiver Hines Ward, who is considered one of the leagues premiere wide outs. Ward is also known for excellent down field blocking, which is not always part of a receiver's repitoire. Ward has had four consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards in total offense.

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have to overcome the cream of the crop in the NFL, the New England Patriots, to get over the hump and get back to it's first Super Bowl since 1995. Look to the beginning of fall when the Steelers Patriots face off on the 25th of September at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.