A year ago the Steelers broke in a new rookie quarterback halfway through the year and hit their stride down the stretch to finish 9-8. They were 26th in scoring offense behind Kenny Pickett and relied heavily on the running game with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
Then this offseason, Kenny Pickett posted a perfect passer rating and the offense looked great. Which version will we see in 2023?
The 49ers also ended up with a rookie QB, but Brock Purdy took them to the NFC Championship Game before injuring his elbow. Purdy has plenty of weapons at his disposal, so these offenses could be exciting in Week 1, even with two great defenses on the field.
I’m going to give you my three anytime TD scorer bets for this game, but before we get into that, I’m going to tell you about a great promo from the FanDuel Sportsbook that will make sure you don't miss any touchdowns this NFL season.
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49ers vs. Steelers anytime TD picks
- George Pickens +230
- Connor Heyward +850
- Elijah Mitchell +295
George PIckens +230
The hype is insane for George Pickens right now, and it might be justified. He is a physical freak and a total nightmare for opposing cornerbacks, even someone like Charvarius Ward who he may be matched up against.
Pickens caught four touchdowns a year ago, but with his ability to high point a football and turn every 50/50 into a 90/10 proposition, he’ll be a serious red zone threat in 2023. I’ll back him to get a score in Week 1.
Connor Heyward +850
Last season Heyward only had 12 catches for 151 yards and one touchdown, but I love how the Steelers plan to use him in 2023. Pittsburgh didn’t bring back Derek Watt, who led the league in fullback rushing attempts last year, and those carries will go to Heyward.
He’ll also be used as an H-Back in the passing game and could score in a variety of ways. These odds present great value considering he could get goalline carries and red zone targets.
Elijah Mitchell +295
For those of you who don’t follow the 49ers all that closely, you may be surprised to see Christian McCaffrey’s backup in my picks here, but there’s a good reason.
Last year when both running backs were healthy, they split carries about 50/50, and San Francisco is all about preserving McCaffrey for the postseason. Not to mention that Mitchell is a very talented running back in his own right.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change