2015 NFL Week 2 Predictions: 49ers vs. Steelers Free Pick
By Anthony Rome
NFL schedule makers didn't do the 49ers any favors by scheduling them a 1:00PM ET kickoff today in Pittsburgh after the team played Monday night in Santa Clara.
The 49ers were impressive in their Week 1 win over the Vikings, as running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 168 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns and Colin Kaepernick threw for 165 yards while adding 41 yards on the ground. But after beating Minnesota in Santa Clara on Monday night, San Francisco received a short week of preparation and traveled cross-country to Pittsburgh to take on a well-rested Steelers team today.
Not only are the Steelers well-rested but they should be pissed off after losing to the Patriots on the opening night of the regular season. The defense had plenty of issues with Tom Brady and Co., but Ben Roethlisberger moved the ball at will for the Steelers offensively while completing 26-of-38 passes for 351 yards and a touchdown. DeAngelo Williams also surprised with 127 yards on 21 carries and Antonio Brown was his consistent self, catching nine passes for 133 yards and a touchdown.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Steelers are listed as 6.5-point favorites for this contest while the over/under is sitting at 45.5 points. The favorite is 4-1 against the spread in the last five meetings between these two teams and the trend should improve to 5-1 at the end of the day. This is a tough spot for the Niners, even though they were impressive on Monday night.
NFL WEEK 2 FREE PICK: PITTSBURGH STEELERS -6.5