San Francisco 49ers vs Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction, Odds, Best Bets – NFL Week 1
- With Nick Bosa back in the fold, the 49ers are 2.5-point favorites when they open the season against the Steelers on Sunday, September 10th
- Tight end George Kittle is listed as questionable for the 49ers for this matchup
- See all the 49ers vs Steelers odds below, as well as our best bet and predictions
At Acrisure Stadium (I know, it doesn’t have the same ring as Heinz Field) on Sunday, September 10th, the last two NFL Defensive Players of the Year lead their teams into battle when Nick Bosa’s San Francisco 49ers open up the season with a visit against T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 action. Read on for a 49ers vs Steelers analysis.
Kickoff for this matchup goes at 1:00 pm ET with Pittsburgh looking to score an upset over one of the favorites in the Super Bowl odds. Broadcast coverage for this heavyweight tilt will be provided by FOX.
Rain is very likely to occur at some point during the game if not throughout, with thunderstorms a possibility. Even though the total for this one in the NFL odds is set at a modest 41.5 points, the wet weather could cause an even more low scoring game. Read more below for the 49ers vs Steelers odds, plus our picks.
49ers vs Steelers Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | -130 | -2.5 (-110) | Over 41.5 (-110) |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +110 | +2.5 (-110) | Under 41.5 (-110) |
While this should be a close one, the SBD score predictor is predicting a 23-7 victory for the 49ers. Given the current odds, Pittsburgh has a win probability of 45.7% compared to a 54.3% likelihood of San Francisco getting the W on the road.
In the public betting trends, most of the money is on the Steelers to cover as 2.5-point underdogs, with 61% of the cash on the home side to at least cover.
Odds as of September 8th at DraftKings Sportsbook. Be sure to check out our DraftKings promo code page when placing your 49ers vs Steelers bets.
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The last time these two teams met was during the 2019 season, a game the 49ers took 24-20 at home. Both teams were phenomenal against the spread to close out the season, with San Fran going 8-2 ATS in their last 10 while the Steelers went 7-3.
Bosa Ready To Go After Record-Setting Extension
Fresh off a deal reportedly worth $170 million with $122.5 million in guaranteed money, which makes him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, reigning defensive player of the year, Nick Bosa is ready to go full throttle against the Steelers.
Breaking: Nick Bosa has agreed to a five-year, $170 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers, including $122.5 million guaranteed, a source told @AdamSchefter.
It will make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/vPszXj8gyP
— ESPN (@espn) September 6, 2023
Allowing a league-low 16.3 points and 300.6 yards per game, the 49ers had the best defense in the NFL this past season, but they did lose defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, who left to become the head coach of the Houston Texans.
Considering Bosa sat out basically all of training camp, it’ll be interesting to see if he has the same burst he usually does. San Fran should be prepared for a much improved Pittsburgh offense.
After starting the season with Mitch Trubisky under center last year, Kenny Pickett eventually wrestled the job away and he may be poised for a breakout season. He directed five touchdowns in five drives during the preseason and had a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
49ers vs Steelers Injury News
Although their big dog on defense will be back, the status of tight end George Kittle is still in question. One of Brock Purdy’s favorite targets, Kittle has been nursing a sore groin, but in his own words, he said he’s excited to play on Sunday. We’ll see if the coaching staff feels the same way.
Nick Bosa, Jake Moody and Talanoa Hufanga have been cleared to play in #SFvsPIT; George Kittle and Charvarius Ward are listed as questionable for Sunday.
Week 1 @DignityHealth practice report: https://t.co/mHg4h65CPv pic.twitter.com/VzOLr8OQgY
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 8, 2023
Speaking of Purdy, it doesn’t appear as if he’s 100% after an elbow injury put an end to his magical rookie season in last year’s NFC title game. To pile things on, he’ll be facing one of the best defensive units in the league with All-Pros at all three levels in Cam Heyward, Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
In fact, you could make a good case that the best defensive player on the field resides in Pittsburgh with Watt, instead of Bosa. In 10 games with Watt last year, the Steelers went 8-2, allowing 16.9 points and 289.9 yards per game, while recording 32 sacks and 18 takeaways. Without him, they won just a single game.
49ers vs Steelers Prediction
Rain is almost a certainty in Pittsburgh on Sunday and with two of the best defensive units on the field, our best bet is to pick this game to finish under 41.5 points. Purdy is coming off a major injury and while Pickett appears ready to take the next step, it won’t be a fun time against Bosa and the 49ers.
We also like another wager at plus money and that’s the Steelers to win outright at home. Watt makes a huge difference to this team and as everybody knows, West Coast teams historically struggle playing 1 pm games out East. Expect the Steel City to be rocking as Pittsburgh opens the year with an upset.
49ers vs Steelers Picks: Under 41.5 Points (-110), 1.5 Units; Steelers Moneyline (+110), 1 Unit
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George has had a lifelong love affair with sports and studying sports statistics since he was a kid. He graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and has worked in the sports & media industry ever since in various roles from writer to producer.
