Rather than make the players go through all the toils and tribulations inherent in the regular season I figured I'd just try to take a good look at each matchup and determine the winner.  Let me know what ya'll think on the games...

(1) vs. Texans WIN
While I believe the Texans are a team that are slowly rising, I don't think they'll be able to put it all together this early in the season.

(2) @ Browns (8:15) WIN
Along with most of you, I'm not sold on the resurrected Cleveland Browns.  They certainly look more solid, but I think Ben can still pick them apart in the secondary, and I think our defense can confuse the hell out of DA, to force some mistakes on him.  The spotlight is really on the Brownies this year and I'm betting against them showing up big in their first big contest.

(3) @ Eagles LOSE
Don't like to put this down as a loss, but am worried about getting the Eagles early in the season.  When McNabb and Westbrook are both healthy that's a dangerous offense.  And Jim Johnson's defense is always hard to handle, and I'm not confident our line will be rock solid.  Were this game at home, I think I'd give the edge to the Steelers, but in Philly I'm going loss.

(4) vs. Ravens (8:30) WIN
The picture of a team on the decline.  Many key positions are filled by players past their prime.  I think the Ravens come out hard to make up for their embarrasment at Heinz last year, but get down a little early resulting in an all out collapse as Ray Ray brings the defense to one side of the sideline and refuses to associate with the Offense till they do their part.

(5) @ Jags (8:15) LOSE
Del Rio's got our number, and he's got the players to execute it.  

(6) BYE
Guess I'll just drink ridiculous amounts on Saturday and sleep away the day on Sunday.

(7) @ Bengals WIN
Steelers in Ohio = Win.

(8) Giants 4:15 WIN
I'm just another guy predicting a serious hangover for the Giants this year. They've got a tough schedule and like the Steelers of 06 won the Superbowl, not by being the best team, but by being the hottest team at the time. I see them going the way of the 06 Steelers.

(9) @ Redskins 8:30 LOSE
Based on lasted year's away performances(not including Ohio). I think this game will be a mirror of the Jets game last year. A game we should totally win, but just keep shooting ourselves in the foot.

(10) Colts 4:15 WIN
Only cause it's at Heinz and by the 10th game we'll be seeing the same old wear and tear on the grass. With a slowed down offense and defense we can slog it out with them and trade punches.  Coming off the stinging loss to the most racistly named team in football, I expect our boys to be at their best.

(11) Chargers 4:15 LOSE
I just don't like our OLine against that defense. I see Ben taking a pounding.

(12) Bengals 8:15 (Thursday) LOSE
More of a result of the short week then anything. As I said, I think the Chargers are going to be punching us in the face a lot, and getting back to it on Thursday's gonna be tough, I think we'll have a let down.

(13) @ Pats 4:15 LOSE*
But Silverback suplexes Evil Bill, making all right in the world.

(14) Cowboys 4:15 WIN
Sorry Terry, but I don't buy the Cowboys taking one from the Steelers on our home turf.  The playoff's are taking shape and the Steelers are getting to a must win point and I think that desperation shows through.  I think the Steelers go old school Cowher on the 'Boys and run, run, run, run and then playaction and Roy Williams (aka most over-rated safety ever) bites harder than Anthony Smith playing the Pats* and Pro Bowler Santonio Holmes scores an easy touchdown clenching the win.

(15) @ Ravens WIN
The Ravens have been struggling mightily (in my head) and have turned to rookie quarterback --INSERT DRAFTED QB HERE-- and he's taking poundings as Ogden is done for good and much of the rest of the team is taking the week off.

(16) @ Titans LOSE
Big tough defenses scare me.  Tampa 2's like the colts, not so much.  But with Haynesworth & Co breathing down Ben's neck I don't see much good coming of it.

(17) Browns WIN
See the above defense for the Cinci win.  If this is indeed the game for the division I just have more faith in the pedigree of the Steelers to inch into the playoffs.  

That's what I got.  Resulting in a 9-7 season and a playoff birth based on winning the division.  I tried not to be too much of a Homer, although I admit that it will sway me.  What do you guys think?