49ers vs. Steelers Prediction
A pair of playoff contenders in their respective conferences will clash in Pittsburgh on Sunday, as the Steelers will host the 49ers at 1:00 p.m. ET. With Pittsburgh listed as slight home dogs and the total sitting at 41.5, what’s the smart bet in this Week 1 matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
465 San Francisco 49ers (-2.5) at 466 Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5); o/u 41.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 10, 2023
Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
TV: FOX
49ers vs. Steelers Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 54% of public bettors are currently backing the Steelers when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
San Francisco 49ers DFS Spin
49ers TE George Kittle (groin) is questionable for Week 1’s matchup against the Steelers. Kittle was limited in practice all week, but wasn’t able to kick his injury designation before the weekend. The veteran tight end has a good chance to suit up this week against the Steelers, but we may not have official word on his status until team announces its Week 1 inactives. Kittle has top-five fantasy upside if active, but we can’t overlook the fact this injury sidelined him several weeks in training camp, leaving the door open for a risk of re-injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers DFS Spin
Steelers.com’s Dale Lolly said the “narrative” that Jaylen Warren will become the team’s No. 1 running back is “simply not true.” “Both will have their roles. Najee Harris is the No. 1. Warren is the third-down back,” said Lolly, who writes for the Steelers’ team site. “Both will be valuable. But Warren isn’t pushing past Harris.” ESPN’s Dan Graziano said this week that Warren could become Pittsburgh’s lead back by the end of the season. While Warren is more explosive and efficient than Harris, the team values Harris as an early-down banger and, importantly, as the team’s primary goal line back. Falling down draft boards, Harris is a reasonable pick as an RB2 in 12-team leagues. Warren will be a worthwhile bench stash.
49ers vs. Steelers Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
San Francisco is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Pittsburgh is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
49ers vs. Steelers Prediction:
Give me San Francisco. I know the 49ers could be without tight end George Kittle and there are question marks surrounding QB Brock Purdy, but I’m not concerned with Kyle Shanahan’s offense in the least. The defensive front is one of the best in football and now that the team has Nick Bosa back after a contract holdout this offseason, the Niners will be locked and loaded for Week 1. The Steelers created some hype this offseason thanks to a 3-0 preseason in which QB Kenny Pickett looked good. But this team had issues running the ball last season and it remains to be seen whether or not they got those issues fixed. We’ll also see how well Pickett fares against San Francisco’s defense after he racked up a bunch of meaningless yards against Atlanta’s camp cuts in Pittsburgh’s final preseason game.
NFL WEEK 1 PREDICTION: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS -2
