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5 bold predictions for 49ers Week 3 matchup vs. Steelers

By James Jones

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 19: Defensive back Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers returns the ball after interception in the first quarter before being tackled by Max Starks #78 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 19: Defensive back Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers returns the ball after interception in the first quarter before being tackled by Max Starks #78 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers sets to run the offense against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers sets to run the offense against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Jimmy Garoppolo will throw for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns

Head coach Kyle Shanahan is considered by many to be the best play-caller in the NFL. His first two years with the 49ers haven’t exactly shown this to be true. That has been due more to a lack of talent on offense which hamstrung his ability to unleash the full arsenal of his playbook.

Now that San Francisco boasts a more talented roster in all three aspects of the game, the expectations and production have begun to take flight. It’s no coincidence Garoppolo had his best game in a 49ers uniform last week.

The Steelers are allowing an average of 320 yards passing through two games. They are also giving up 445 yards total, a figure which, if it holds true, will only help the 49ers get both aspects of the offense going. Garoppolo prospers when the Niners are able to mix play action into Shanahan’s game plan.

The Steelers did make a trade with the Miami Dolphins for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. However it is doubtful he will have much of an impact on this game. That’s not to say that he isn’t capable of doing so, as he is a former first-round pick with loads of talent. He simply may not have digested the defensive playbook enough to make an impact right out the gate as a Steeler.

Prediction: Garoppolo throws for 328 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.