NFL Predictions: Steelers vs. 49ers Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Monday, 19 December 2011 18:24

We’ll breakdown the Monday Night Football game between the Steelers and 49ers with predictions and insight.

Our predictions for the Monday Night Football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) and the San Francisco 49ers (10-3) are ready to roll, and we hope that the picks will make money for our readers.  Start time of the Steelers vs. 49ers game is set for 8:30 PM ET and you can catch the NFL action live on the ESPN channel.

Pittsburgh and San Francisco haven’t met up since 2007 when the Steelers won 37-16 as 10-point home favorites.  The 49ers were 30-14 winners in San Francisco as 4-point favorites in 2003, and both recent head-to-head meetings went over the betting total.  5Dimes Sportsbook has the 49ers listed as 2.5-point favorites for this Monday Night Football game, while the total sits fairly low at 38.  The Steelers have gone 6-7 against the point spread this season, while the 49ers have been one of the best bets in the NFL with a record of 11-2 against the odds.

Steelers’ Offense vs. 49ers’ Defense:

It’s looking like Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (ankle), linebacker LaMarr Woodley (hamstring), and safety Troy Polamalu (hamstring) will suit up for Monday Night Football, while center Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) and linebacker James Harrison (suspension) will miss action.  Pouncey’s injury is a big one for the Steelers since they haven’t been strong up front this season.  Pittsburgh will be going up against one of the elite rush-stopping defenses in the NFL, and the Steelers have failed to produce many points when unable to get their rushing attack going.  I’d look for Pittsburgh to struggle a bit, but their offensive balance will still allow them to score a bit.

49ers’ Offense vs. Steelers’ Defense:

The 49ers have a nice running game and do enough in the passing department to keep opposing defenses off balance.  Tackle Joe Staley (concussion) looks set to play, although the San Francisco defense will likely be without Patrick Willis (hamstring).  Wide receiver Braylon Edwards (knee) is listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision.  The 49ers also need the run to be effective, and it remains to be seen if they’ll get it going against an above average Pittsburgh defense.  The Steelers allow 97.0 rushing yards and 15.2 points per game, and the 49ers only scored 6 against the Baltimore Ravens after stumbling in the running department.

Steelers vs. 49ers Predictions:

The Monday Night Football game between the Steelers and the 49ers figures to be a low-scoring affair with a premium placed on field position and limiting turnovers.  Pittsburgh has the stronger offense, while San Francisco gets the nod in terms of defense.  I’m going to call for the Steelers to get a narrow upset victory, although the game could feasibly go either way.  The best bet to make in the Steelers vs. 49ers game is for the under to hit, and I don’t think we see many big plays tonight.

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Steelers 13

49ers 12