NFL 2009/2010 season preview

Steelers beat Arizona for sixth Super Bowl title

The Pittsburgh Steelers won an unprecedented sixth Super Bowl crown, defeating Arizona 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII to extend the Cardinals' 61-season title drought. Santonio Holmes caught a seven-yard touchdown pass with 35 seconds remaining and his dramatic catch, tapping down his toes in the back right corner of the end zone as he hauled in a Ben Roethlisberger pass, set Pittsburgh above all others in Super Bowl history and brought him Most Valuable Player honors. Pittsburgh won previous Super Bowl titles in 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980 and 2006 and moved the Steelers past five-time champions San Francisco and Dallas.

• NFL Champion: Pittsburgh
• AFC Champion: Pittsburgh
• NFC Champion: Arizona
• AFC Division Winners: New England, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, San Diego
• NFC Division Winners: NY Giants, Minnesota, Carolina, Arizona

NFL 2009/10 key dates

• September 10 : Regular season starts
• January 3 : Regular season ends
• January 9: Postseason begins
• January 31: Pro Bowl, Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
• February 7 : Super Bowl XLIV, Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Super Bowl XLIV favorites

These are odds to win 2009/10 Super Bowl published by online bookmakers before the start of the season:

Last year, the New England Patriots went 11-5 in the regular season and losing out on a division title to the Dolphins on tiebreakers. But, that was without Tom Brady, who was injured in the opener of the 2008 season. With Brady back in action, the other three teams in AFC plays for second. The offense with Brady throwing to Moss and Welker should be close to the explosive unit that helped the Patriots to an undefeated regular season in 2007. Another key for the Patriots this season will be the addition of the veteran Belichick, running back Fred Taylor, cornerback Shawn Springs, defensive end Derrick Burgess and tight end Chris Baker.

This is introduction to 2009/10 NFL season. Latest news, statistics, results and predictions you can find on our main NFL page.

The San Diego Chargers won AFC West last season, and lost from Pittsburgh Steelers in Divisional Round. Assuming their stars hindered by injuries in 2008 get back to 100%, this team is primed for a deep playoff run. Almost all the main players are hitting the primes of their careers, and they play in the weakest division in football. All that adds up to the #1 seed in the AFC, and a very legit chance to win a Super Bowl.

The Pittsburgh Steelers return with essentially the same team that won the Super Bowl last season. There are only three new starters: William Gay, Lawrence Timmons and Trai Essex. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is in his prime and should be even better. The defense will be as ferocious as ever. The offensive line didn't play well last season and that gives the other teams in the division hope.

Last season, the Indianapolis Colts earned a wild-card berth with their sixth consecutive season of 12 wins or more. The biggest change is retirement of coach Tony Dungy with Jim Caldwell taking over. The new defense under coordinator Larry Coyer will have to come together quickly. The injuries in the secondary, especially to safety Bob Sanders, remain a major concern. But, with Peyton Manning keying the offense, they will score a lot of points again.

Predictions for the regular season

NFL 2008/09 Playoffs