PITTSBURGH -1 @49ers

[chinoloco212]

without patrick willis in the middle calling the shots, will hinder them

[MR.HARRYtheHAT]

The 49ers boast one of the league’s best defenses,but San Francisco might be without its best player in linebacker Patrick Willis.Willis has a right hamstring injury and will most likely be a game-time decision at best.He’s one of the most important players in the 49ers’ top-ranked run defense that allows just 70.5 rushing ypg.The Steelers will be missing a star linebacker of their own,as James Harrison will be serving his one-game suspension stemming from his hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.Even without James Harrison and Aaron Smith the Steelers possess one of the most dominant front-seven units in the NFL and have been moderately successful at garnering sacks,ranking19th in the NFL with 30 sacks.The 49ers,on the other hand, are operating with an offensive line that ranks 25th in the NFL,giving up 39 sacks through 13 games.If the 49ers can pass-protect, giving Alex Smith enough time to operate their offense, the team has an excellent chance to win.If they don't,they will likely lose. The Steelers have the top-ranked pass defense in the league, and they have enough playmakers to give Alex Smith trouble.I don’t think the game will be too high-scoring, but if one team is going to break out, it’s going to be the Steelers. Experience counts as well, and Pittsburgh's familiarity with participating in high-stakes affairs combined with the 49ers' newness to the scene puts another check mark in the column of the reigning AFC champs, who seem to possess the requisite skills that their opponent could have plenty of trouble dealing with. I think having Willis out hurts the 49ers more than losing Harrison will hurt the Steelers.Expect Roethlisberger to play and play effectively.Got Down +3 Steelers..

[SportsPedagogy]

Big ben is def a top QB.

[Holtgetsback]

wish i was your bookie pauly

[k13]

Post after post after post after post of


Thanks for the laughs.

[SportsPedagogy]

Romo with Broken Ribs and punctured lung > Rothilsburger with sprained ankle

[seaborneq]

Steelers don't have to win this game. Niners do. Steelers are ok in the playoffs on the road, Niners probably can't beat any of the Saints/Falcons/Giants on the road. Niners must win, Niners will win.

Saved my week with this. Lights out Pittsburg.

[GenosPicks]

Sorry PAULY.. PITT was screwed the minute we were both on them

http://www.sbrforum.com/nfl-football/free-picks/nfl-betting-recap-geno-a-22554/

[warriorfan707]

I tried to warn you guys

[burchfield]

Pittsburgh will win..............

[Leo Bello]

You can't knock Ben out,this is a proven fact,unless they plan on running him over with a truck it ain't happening.........

This is true, but like they said on TV, you may not knock him out, but you can knock him around to the point that he is immobile, cannot see, has no time to make a throw, AND throws how many interceptions? But no, he will never bellow, "Take me out coach!' The problem comes next week: Okay, he played Monday, was obviously all focked up, was hurting, ineffective; and now instead of getting a break for an extra week, he is going to have to play for the Steeler's life in 5-6 days. Being tough and taking hits is not always what it's about. I was a Pittsburgh guy and I root for them, but I hope this does not prove to be a bad decision—not on Big Ben's part (he can say that he can play all he wants), it is somebody else's decision to determine whether it is wise to allow him to play. Time will tell.