Writers pick: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. San Francisco 49ers

Still Curtain Predictions

Week 3 contributor explanations

” I was wrong in my week 2 prediction. I really thought Pittsburgh would take their first victory of the season. The Seahawks traveling to the east coast for a 1:00 PM ET football game, and historically, west coast teams have not done well in that situation. Pittsburgh lost Ben Roethlisberger late in the first half, but he wasn’t exactly playing like mid-season Ben. The Steelers are underdogs in San Francisco this week, but the team is fired up to rally behind Mason Rudolph. I think the Steelers squeak out a close one for their first victory of the season.”-Tommy Jaggi

“Vance McDonald has a huge revenge game against his old team and Mason Rudolph balls out for around 250 and 2 TDs. A nice, efficient start for the young QBs career and the Steelers get a victory on the road.”- Mike O’Brien

“I really want to pick the Steelers but on the road against a 49ers team that is looking pretty good. I can’t do it. I think Rudolph will look good and surprise some people. Could see Rudolph making a mistake in a late game scenario.- Dan Gilliam

“The Steelers traditional defensive weakness, covering tight ends, will again rear its ugly head with TE George Kittle snagging game-shaping vertical completions this Sunday in critical moments. This, coupled with long, time consuming drives as Garopolo dinks and dunks to his backs and WRs, Mason Rudolf–although playing well–won’t have enough drives or possessions to match the 49ers score for score…especially given the Steelers’ chronic defensive penchant for missed tackles and coverage breakdowns. The Black & Gold will cover the 6.5 spread but lose the game.”- James Perry Kelly

“The Steelers are headed into their first game with a big upgrade at safety, and I believe that helps them cover better. Mason Rudolph hears the trash talk on him and comes out to prove the doubters wrong and get the Steelers their first win of 2019.”- Brandon King

“The Steelers know to keep things alive they need to take care of business. Rudy will lead the way and show he is THE GUY.”- Jobe Morrison

“There’s been optimism in Pittsburgh lately. A healthy Ben Roethlisberger is obviously the ideal state of affairs, but Mason Rudolph looked good in relief against Seattle. Trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick bolstered the defense, as well. However, the point still stands that the Steelers haven’t looked imposing for long on either side of the ball in their first two games. Now they must travel to San Francisco, home of the NFL’s ninth-ranked defense. The 49ers defense gives up 305 yards per game. The Steelers offense currently averages 288 yards per game. Conversely, the Steelers and their 29th-ranked defense give up an average of 455 yards per game, against a San Francisco offense that has been good for an average of 417 yards. I’d like to say the Steelers will win a close one, but my rational brain won’t let me say that.”- Mike Morris

“The Steelers will head into San Francisco hungry for their first win. Everybody is doubting they can get it done with Mason Rudolph, but I think he surprises some people.”- Edward Hunt

“The 49ers are not a strong team but will be a challenge for the Steelers with the new starting quarterback. This is a winnable game even without their franchise QB. Which ever team is able to run the ball better will get the win this Sunday, and I like the Steelers chip on their shoulders moving forward.”- Ryan Pawloski

Let’s hope that the majority of our writers are right and we end up with our first season victory despite being underdogs.