Writers pick: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 3 prediction overview

With all these changes taking place within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, should fans expect the team to overcome the adversity in San Francisco this weekend? I’m going to say yes.

The Steelers have been given a full week to build their offensive game plan around Mason Rudolph. Pittsburgh should look to be aggressive through the air early, which will hopefully get the team’s running game back on the right track after a not so productive first two weeks of the season.

Mason Rudolph should show off his connection with former college teammate, James Washington, throughout this ball game. With Washington making plays, this will help open up Juju- Smith Schuster. Dionate Johnson is another name to watch out for as he is expected to get his first career start this Sunday.

The first area of concern: 49ers defensive line

The most impressive part of the San Francisco 49ers overall game is the play of their defensive line. This is a line consisting of DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas, Dee Ford, and Nick Bosa.

The 49ers haven’t had much competition, playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cincinnati Bengals. Nonetheless, in each game, San Francisco’s defensive line had their hands written all over the outcome of each game.

Winning the line of scrimmage will be crucial for the Steelers in this one. With one of the most underrated offensive lines in football, the Steelers should look to hold their own. Mason Rudolph will have to protect the ball, make quick reads, and get the football out of his hands as soon as possible. This should be an all-out war in the trenches.