IT’S GAME DAY!!

That means while we all wait for the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers to kickoff at 1pm EST in Week 1, it’s time to take a look at who the SCN staff likes in this game. The current line for the game is SF (-2.5) with a Total of 41.5.

But these picks are vs. the spread, or based on an over/under. These are straight up picks. So, let’s get to the prognostications

Jeff Hartman

The Pittsburgh Steelers are opening up the season at home for the first time since Antonio Brown kicked a punter in the face. Does it matter? Maybe, maybe not. I just like to remember AB kicking a punter in the face. Anyways, I think this game comes down to a missed 49ers field goal at the end of regulation to give the Steelers the win. If you like good football, this should be must-watch TV. At the same time, there is still a level of unknown surrounding the Steelers…will they continue their hot streak following the preseason? We shall see, but I like the Steelers as home “dogs” in Week 1.

Prediction: Steelers 24, 49ers 23

Dave Schofield

Although I don’t think it’s the end of the world if the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t find a way to win this game, I think it’s entirely possible that they do. The San Francisco 49ers in 2023 are expected to be much like the best opponents the Steelers faced last year such as the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles. And we all know how those went. The most important thing for the Steelers is to play a tight game with a quality opponent. I see this game playing out with Kenny Pickett needing to lead the offense to victory much like Weeks 16 & 17 last year, but this time only needing a field goal to win it. Boswell comes through and the Steelers win their last three home game versus San Fran all under Mike Tomlin.

Prediction: Steelers 23, 49ers 21

Jeremy Betz

The Steelers are the hottest team in the league coming out of preseason. We’ll see if that even means anything pretty quickly against a loaded 49ers team, but I’m willing to bet the momentum carries over to Week 1 for Kenny Pickett and co. on Offense, and we already know that TJ Watt and the Defense will bring the heat. I like Pittsburgh in their first home opener since 2014.

Prediction: Steelers 24, 49ers 20

Anthony Defeo

While I do think the Steelers are headed for a very good 2023 campaign, I can’t imagine them defeating a bona fide Super Bowl contender right out of the gate for a third-straight season, even if the season begins at Acrisure Stadium. Kenny Pickett will throw for more than one touchdown pass for the first time ever, but San Francisco’s offensive firepower will prove to be the difference in this game.

Prediction: 49ers 31, Steelers 23

Shannon White

My gut tells me that this is going to be a special season for the Steelers. It feels like the Steelers are standing on the brink of being a true contender once again. This is Kenny Pickett’s offense, regardless of who is calling the plays. Pickett is primed to take his game to the next level. The defense is much deeper and more physical than last year, which will result in a more aggressive pass rush and coverages. The journey starts Sunday in Pittsburgh. The Niners have the misfortune of being the first victim. I will stick with my Pump Your Brakes prediction.

Prediction: Steelers 24, 49ers 20

Bradley Locker

The Steelers looked a little too good in the preseason, and could be in for a dose of reality in Week One. For one, the team’s offense played only five series — some of which came against backups — and while the improvement was palpable, it will probably not be that fluid or successful from the start, especially against a 49ers defense that projects as the best in the NFL. Moreover, I’m concerned about how the Steelers plan to contain Christian McCaffery in both the run and pass game; he’s a true mismatch, especially against the linebackers and slot/nickel corners. On top of that, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are as good of a 1-2 punch as any in the league, and Pittsburgh’s corner room doesn’t necessarily appear elite. The 49ers could have some struggles of their own — especially if Pittsburgh’s ferocious DL wreaks havoc on an OL with weaknesses — but I think Kyle Shanahan’s side does just enough to eke out a painful first loss for the Steelers.

Prediction: 49ers 28, Steelers 24

Big Bro Scho

The trajectory of the Steelers is going up. They had a strong finish to their 2022 season. They had a great free agency period. They had a great draft. The had a great preseason. They are now talented and deep at many positions. Kenny Pickett is primed to have a huge jump in year two. The O-line that improved as the year went on last year got even better. There are so many things out there that point to the Steelers having a great 2023 and being a true Super Bowl contender. All that being said, I consider myself a realist. Hard to trust something can happen until you a shown it is possible. I believe a lot of things are possible for this team, but I’ve been left disappointed before. This could be the toughest game on the Steelers schedule this season, and what did the 49ers top ranked defense of last year do? Oh yeah, they signed former Steelers Javon Hargrave. This will be a great game, but the Steelers come up short.

Prediction:  49ers 20, Steelers 17

What is your prediction? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the upcoming Week 1 game between the Steelers and 49ers.