Road to Super Bowl XL Trivia Quiz

Answer: New York Giants

In an embarrassment of the Giants, Eli Manning and Tiki Barber were shut down. The Panthers' defense held New York's offense to nothing. Steve Smith, Deshaun Foster, and Jake Delhomme stepped up on the other side of Carolina's ball. San Fran and Green Bay both missed the playoffs widely, and Washington lost in the 2nd round.

Answer: Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer was injured in the first quarter by Kimo von Oelhoffen. Jon Kitna, their starter in 2003, filled in, but Cincinnati's leader was gone and they lost 31-17 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roethlisberger was the QB for the Steelers, and Trent Dilfer missed the playoffs with his team, the Cleveland Browns.

Answer: Denver Broncos

New England only faced Jacksonville and Denver in the 2006 playoffs. They beat Jacksonville in Foxboro, Massachusetts, in the first round, but at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, they lost 27-13 to the Broncos.

Answer: Washington Redskins

Washington stayed alive until they lost to the Seahawks in the 2nd round. New York lost to Carolina 23-0. Cincinnati lost to Pittsburgh 31-17, and the Buccaneers fell to Washington 17-10.

Answer: Chicago Bears

All the choices were teams in the NFC North. However, Chicago was the only to make the playoffs in 2006, but their postseason experience was cut short after losing to the Panthers 29-21.

Answer: New England Patriots

New England failed to get a first round bye, but they won their game vs. Jacksonville 27-3. Chicago (11-5), Seattle (13-3), and Indianapolis (14-2), all had byes in the wild card round. However, Indy and Chicago both failed to make their respective conference championships.

Answer: Indianapolis Colts

After one of the best seasons in the Colts' history (14-2 record after starting 13-0), they were expected to go all the way and win the Super Bowl. But, Mike Vanderjagt missed a 46-yard field goal attempting to tie the game. Carolina and Seattle met for the NFC Championship, and Pittsburgh took on the Broncos in the AFC.

Answer: Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but they finished 5-11, third in the NFC West. Hasselbeck went to the Super Bowl with the Seahawks, Leftwich and Manning both fell in the first round with their teams (Jacksonville and New York) to New England and Carolina.

Answer: Mack Strong

Mack Strong, the Pro Bowl fullback of Seattle, went to Super Bowl XL. Priest Holmes, who was injured in midseason, did not get to play, but he never would have since the Chiefs missed the playoffs narrowly with a 10-6 record. Tomlinson's Chargers took a 9-7 record but it wasn't good enough.

Answer: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh beat Denver in the AFC championship. They won three state road games at Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Denver. They became the first #6 seed to ever reach a Super Bowl. New England lost to Denver in round 2.