Week 1: vs Miami. The "kickoff" game of the 2006 season ought to be a good one, and ought to provide a good read for both teams. The Steelers are probably still the more talented team overall, but Nick Saban has whipped the 'Fins into good shape in no time. This is a big-time challenge game for both teams. 2: @ Jacksonville. A renewal of an old AFC Central rivalry, played (as usual) early in the season in Jacksonville. PIttsburgh's only saving grace here is that its a night game, so the daytime heat won't be as much of a factor. The humidity will, though. Two 2005 playoff teams square off in what ought to be a very competitive game. The Jags should be all-around solid in all 3 phases of the game, so it will take a solid game from Pittsburgh to prevail...if they can! 3: vs. Cincinnati. A "revenge" game if there ever was one. The Bengals will be out for blood because of Carson's knee injury suffered at the hands of the Steelers. The Bengals will still feature a lethal offense, blending solid running and accurate, dangerous passing (assuming Palmer is healthy). It starts a run for the Steelers that very well could decide the entire season for them... 4: Bye 5: @ San Diego. The Steelers will get the first half of a wicked two-game set featuring the game's best running backs. However, the Bolts are going with first-year starter Philip Rivers (a player the Steelers once coveted), which could balance the odds in favor of Pittsburgh. But, if the running defense isn't playing well, LT will have a field day... 6: vs. Kansas City. The back half of a nasty two-game stretch as Pittsburgh welcomes the Chiefs and uber-back LJ to town. Once again, the defense is in for another stiff test as one of the game's expected strong running attacks comes in. KC's balanced offense will probably be among the best in the league, and it's easily foreseeable that Pittsburgh could be 2-3 after this game... 7: @ Atlanta. As if two great backs in a row weren't bad enough, Pittsburgh travels to the carpet of Atlanta to face the legs of Mike Vick, and the power running game they employ. 8: @ Oakland. Some in Pittsburgh might finally say they get a breather in facing what's expected to be a depleted Oakland squad. But there's some long-standing hatred between these two teams, and squaring off once again will probably result in some entertaining football. If Pittsburgh stumbles from the gate, this is the first game of a few where they might be able to gain some ground. Maybe. 9: vs Denver. Think Jake Plummer and Champ Bailey haven't circled this game on the calendar? If Pittsburgh is reeling, expect Denver to visit wanting to delivery the knock-out punch. If Pittsburgh weathers the early-season storm of its scheduling - including taming some of the game's best running backs - the Steelers will be snarling and ready to deliver another does of its defensive medicine to Jake Plummer. And if Jay Cutler is somehow at the helm... 10: vs. New Orleans. An enigma of a football team might be a fearsome foe here, especially if Drew Brees is healthy and Reggie Bush is the next Gayle Sayres. New Orleans gets to face Carolina and Tampa twice, so they'll just have to deal with another strong defense here... 11: @ Cleveland. The Browns are not expected to be a stellar team this year. This game, though, is one that Cleveland is always up for. The maturation of Charlie Frye could be tested here... 12: @ Baltimore. A truly massive collision happens every time Baltimore and Pittsburgh meet. The two share a genuine, all-encompassing dislike of one another. A down and dirty, brutal (and low-scoring) game is likely to result. How good is Steve McNair? We'll know by this time... 13: vs. Tampa Bay. Another 2005 playoff team comes to town featuring a rising young running back and a strong overall team. But how will Tampa react to playing in an outdoor, windy stadium in December? 14: vs. Cleveland. By now, the playoff situation will be well in hand. This could be a tight game or a laugher. 15: @ Carolina. The Steelers enter the final 3 games facing 3 downright nasty opponents, and playoff implications abound in all 3. Carolina is a favorite in the NFC for the Super Bowl, and this very well could be a true "Super Bowl preview" game. The Panthers are near mirror-images of the Steelers - great D, strong running game, capable QB. Entertaining to be sure... 16: vs. Baltimore. If the Birdies are truly fighting for a playoff spot, and the AFC North crown, this game will be huge. If the Birdies cannot reclaim past glory... 17: @ Cincinnati. Unless the criminal element in Cincy somehow sabotages its season, I would expect this game to decide a: who wins the AFC North, b: playoff positioning. Which means this could be the best game of the year for Steelers and fans.