Nobody, anywhere, at any time, in any corner of the world except Seattle, wanted the Seahawks to win.
You know, even if you buy into the goofy "conspiracy in the NFL" theory, its generally predicated on the idea that the league wants certain big-market teams to win in the playoffs, so that they can get better ratings in the next game.
Who exactly are the Steelers playing next week?
The cash registers at all of the sporting goods stores across the nation. Steelers merchandise is like 2nd in the NFL in total sales.
Would the league rather see a weeks worth of congratulatory press about Jerome Bettis and his impending Hall of Fame nomination and the home home-town return theme? Or would they rather see Hasselback's bald head at Disneyland? Come on. If the Cowboys had been in this game, there is no way in hell that these calls get made (even though the Boys suck).