NFL Betting Preview: San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

September 06, 2023

NFL Betting Preview: San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

As Week 1 of the NFL season draws near, intriguing storylines abound across the league. Aaron Rodgers makes his debut for the Jets, the Cowboys, and Giants reignite their rivalry, the Washington Commanders play without Daniel Snyder at a sold-out FedEx Field, and the Bears aim to defeat the Packers for the first time in over four years.

While each game on the schedule has its own intrigue, the matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers stands out with a multitude of compelling narratives. The 49ers, currently favored at -135, are laying 2.5 points on the road at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Recently, there's been increasing buzz surrounding the Steelers, who are listed at +114, and for good reason, as noted by Jay Croucher on the Bet the EDGE podcast.

Croucher mentioned, "I think with Kenny Pickett (+5000 MVP) entering his second year and George Pickens (+10000 OPOY) also in Year 2, coupled with an offensive line that should improve with TJ Watt (+850 DPOY) fully back in the defense, which could be elite, and an offense that has potential, this team has real upside."

Drew Dinsick shares this optimism and has invested in the Steelers, though he acknowledges one potential concern.

"The only thing that gives me pause about the Steelers is that offensive coordinator Matt Canada has a tendency to be somewhat predictable in his play calling. But I am holding out hope and I have staked real U.S. dollars on the idea that Canada has learned, coming down the stretch last year, how to better utilize the tools at his disposal."

Meanwhile, tensions are rising in San Francisco. While quarterback Brock Purdy is healthy again following offseason elbow surgery, Nick Bosa's holdout persists with no resolution in sight.

Dinsick explains, "I think the 49ers are such favorites within the division that if they use the early part of the season as an extended preseason, I won't be surprised. The absence of Nick Bosa matters. He moves the needle significantly, and as of now, I don't expect him to play in this game. Questions also arise about Brock Purdy (+5000 MVP) and how he'll perform after surgery, especially with his offensive line facing a disadvantage against the Steelers' pass rush. This could tip the scales in favor of Pittsburgh in their home opener."

While Disick believes there will be a time to bet on the 49ers later in the season, he sees Week 1 as an opportunity for the Steelers.

"There are many warning signs with this Niners team at the start of the season, and a team that's clearly trending down facing a rising team at home as an underdog with a plus money line spells a fantastic opportunity. So, Steelers' ML was one of the first bets I made for Week 1."

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NFL Betting Preview: San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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