Read this and tell me why anyone WOULDN'T pick PIT

You're probably right. I didn't purposely de-emphasize it, it's just that given the other stats, it didn't seem too relevant to me.

But you and Spam make good points, and thanks to both of you for bringing some substance to this thread. Spam makes some really good points as well.

It's not that I think Pitt is great or that they will beat the Saints. To the contrary, I think the Saints stand a great chance of winning this game. And I'll certainly be pulling for them, as always.

What I was attempting to show, and obviously you understood my point, was that it's not like Pitt doesn't belong on the field with the Saints. Hey, the Saints are probably the better team. I'm not trying to say they're not.

Just trying to point out that there are reasons beyond "OMG THEY HATE THE SAINTS!!!!!" for someone who is not a Saints fan to think that this game is pretty much a pick 'em, with Pitt having the edge due to home field and an extra dose of "want to" over a team that's gonna still be in first win or lose.

That said, you know I'm not one of those guys who can't bring himself to concede good points that go against his original point. :) And both you and Spam have made some. So thanks, I'm smarter for having read them.
Oh...I read you loud and clear. I keep telling my oldest son the same thing over and over.

"Son. They play the games for a reason. Otherwise they'd just name the champion before the season started and be done with it."

I know the Saints can beat the Steelers. At the same time, the Steelers can beat the Saints. I know I'm stating the obvious here, but it all boils down to who plays the better game come Sunday. For anyone who doesn't believe that...go ask Da Bears.