T.J. Watt vs. Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa was the biggest topic of discussion leading up to this Week 1 matchup. Just days before the Steelers and 49ers were set to kickoff, Bosa inked a massive new contract extension which resets the pass rusher market in the NFL and makes him the highest-paid defender in NFL history.
With this extension, it is very safe to assume that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year will be on the field for the 49ers in Week 1 at Acrisure Stadium. This is a massive win for San Francisco... but don't forget that we have our own version of Nick Bosa already in T.J. Watt.
Of the two superstars and former DPOYs, we would have to assume that Watt is a bit more prepared for this contest. Watt played during the preseason (although sparingly), and practiced all summer at training camp with this team. The 49ers can't say the same about Bosa, who spent the summer in the thick of contract disputes.
Regardless, we saw a similar situation with Watt in 2021. Watt missed pretty much all summer activities before he came out swinging against Buffalo with 2.0 sacks and 5 QB hits in a Steelers win, per Pro Football Reference. Bosa will be ready to play, but can T.J. one-up him this week with a dominant showing? Let's hope Watt's performance reminds him who's the best pass rusher in the league still.