Two of the NFL’s winningest franchises collide for what should be a spectacular Week 1 showdown in Steel City. The San Francisco 49ers enter the new campaign with better health in hopes of making another deep playoff run en route to Super Bowl LVII. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the second year of the Kenny Pickett era under center and are borderline playoff contenders in the AFC.

Nitrobetting is ready to equip its bettors with the latest news, NFL odds, and special features for the entire duration of the 2023 NFL season. This time, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming Week 1 showdown between the San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.

49ers vs. Steelers Game Information

The #49ers have announced the following roster moves. https://t.co/Tfe05PblsY

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 27, 2023

• When: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 8:20 PM ET
• Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
• TV: FOX
• Radio: KNBR 680 (49ers) // WDVE 102.5 FM (Steelers)
• Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
• NFL Odds: 49ers (-2.5) / Steelers (+2.5)

READ MORE: Lions vs. Chiefs 2023 NFL Week 1 Odds, Preview & Pick

Why Bet on the San Francisco 49ers?

Had it not been for a slew of injuries at quarterback last season, the San Francisco 49ers might’ve likely represented the NFC in the previous Super Bowl. Now with a relatively healthy roster entering the 2023 campaign, they remain a strong (+461) favorite to win the NFC for the first time since 2019.

The quarterback controversy in the Bay Area has been resolved, with “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy winning the starting QB job. Purdy looked amazing in the 12 games he played (eight starts) last season, including the playoffs, which prompted San Francisco to cut their losses on third-overall pick Trey Lance by shipping Lance to Dallas this offseason. It also doesn’t hurt that the Niners boast game-changing players on offense, namely Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel.

Above all else, the 49ers also had the best defense last season, leading the league in both yards (300.6 YAPG) and points (16.3 PAPG) allowed per contest. There’s some concern heading into Week 1 with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa still holding out in contract negotiations, but the Niners should still be fine out the gates as they’ve fared well enough without their stud pass-rusher during Bosa’s lost 2020 campaign due to a torn ACL.

Why Bet on the Pittsburgh Steelers?

It was a tale of two halves for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Before their Week 9 bye, they were merely 2-6 and were left for dead by most experts. After the bye, however, Pittsburgh went 7-2 to end the season, including winning their last four contests to keep head coach Mike Tomlin’s streak of no losing seasons intact for the 16th consecutive year.

There were growing pains at first with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett assuming the starting QB job starting in Week 4, with the local Pitt product looking more composed in the latter half of his maiden campaign. The Steelers shored up their offensive line at the draft and during free agency to give Pickett even better protection in the pocket, while young offensive standouts like running back Najee Harris, wideouts George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, and tight end Pat Frieiermuth all return for a promising run this upcoming campaign.

The once-vaunted Steelers defense took a bit of a dive last season and saw several key departures such as Myles Jack, Terrell Edmunds, Cameron Sutton, and Akhello Witherspoon. Then again, Pittsburgh also has a former DPOY winner of their own in T.J. Watt who’ll be ready to weather the 49ers’ advance after playing just 10 games due to a couple of injuries last season.

49ers vs. Steelers Betting Trends

• The 49ers are 5-1 in the last six regular-season road games (4-2 ATS).
• San Francisco went 3-2 against AFC teams last season (1-4 ATS).
• The totals went over in four of San Fran’s last six games on the road.
• The Steelers are 4-2 in its last six home games during the regular season (SU/ATS).
• Pittsburgh went 4-1 versus teams from the NFC last season (SU/ATS).
• The totals went under in four of Pittsburgh’s last six outings in general.

49ers vs. Steelers Expert Betting Predictions

Having a home-field advantage prevents Pittsburgh from being pegged as overwhelming underdogs in their Week 1 showdown. On the other hand, San Fran is one of the top contenders for the Lombardi Trophy this season and has more talent in key positions across the board. Count this as a comfortable two-possession win for the Niners as the Steelers need to develop more time to get up to speed with their young core.

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