What a difference a year makes. At the beginning of the 2022 season, Trey Lance was the starting quarterback of the future for the 49ers. Nobody knew who Brock Purdy was. In fact, Purdy was the infamous “Mr. Irrelevant” for being the last player taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. But Purdy defied the NFL betting odds by leading San Francisco to the 2022 NFC Championship Game. Subsequently, Lance was traded to Dallas with Purdy firmly ensconced as the starter. Purdy faces the new pressure of being the man instead of Cinderella. Gamblers ask if he can handle it.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Sunday, September 10, 2023, 1 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49ers | -2½ (-110) | 41 (-110) | -135 |  |
| Steelers | +2½ (-110) | 41 (-110) | +115 | |
| ||||
San Francisco 49ers Team Overview
Following an offseason of pining for what could have been, 49ers fans will have a chance to move on. The 49ers can prove it on the field Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Starting QB Brock Purdy has made a great online betting recovery. In comparison, Sam Darnold beat out Trey Lance as the backup.
Lance never lived up to being the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. As mentioned earlier, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Now, with Sam Darnold as the only backup to Purdy, San Fransisco will have to hope its QB luck changes in 2023.
It is true that gamblers don’t look to be confident in the points for this matchup. The 49ers are mostly a running team that relies heavily on the defense to get things done. Still, the coaching staff does trust Brock Purdy’s throwing arm. And that is what concerns the “undertakers” in Week 1.
Pittsburgh Steelers Team Overview
At the beginning of 2022, the Steelers had a sluggish start. Rookie QB Kenny Pickett took a long time to find his comfort level. Finally, when he clicked, Pickett found a connection with WR George Pickens. Following a full season of workouts, this could become the next great QB-WR duo for the Steelers. Of great concern is whether Najee Harris can return to his rookie form two years ago. Harris totaled 307 carries, 1,200 yards, and 7 TDs. Thus, the Steelers’ offense could once again shine bright.
Kenny Pickett is coming off some impressive preseason showings. The second-year QB appears to have put the work in this offseason. Now he looks more in sync with George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and the 49ers receiving corps.
49ers at Steelers SBG Free Picks
Since the 2019 season, these teams have not met. The 49ers won 24-20 but failed to cover as 6-point home favorites in that Pro Football Bets matchup. They are 2-2 in the past four meetings, dating back to 2007. Specifically, the home team is 4-0 straight up, and the Steelers are cashing 3-1 ATS. Also, 2019 was the only time the underdog covered in the past four contests. Of course, one of these trends will lose Sunday as Pittsburgh is the underdog and the home team.
Both teams will have a 2nd-year QB leading their offenses. But only Pickett comes into the game completely healthy and with no concerns. In this situation, expect a close game. But look for the home dog Steelers to hold San Fran defensively.
49ers at Steelers SBG Best Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers and Under the Total