Niner Noise
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 15: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 15: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 4: 49ers score at least 30 points for the third week in a row

The 49ers are averaging 413 yards per game in 2019, 235 yards in the air and 178.5 yards on the ground. The latter statistic is good for fourth overall in the league. The team has also scored an average of 36 points per game this season.

Facing a Steelers team giving up 30.5 points per game, after posting a record of 0-2, bodes well for San Francisco. It won’t be easy because, let’s face it, this is the NFL.

No team is a pushover (OK some teams are, Miami anyone?) and it will take just as sound a game  plan, as the one Shanahan unleashed against Cincinnati last week, for the 49ers to win their home opener.

If I was a betting man, and I am, my money would be on the Niners taking it to Pittsburgh this Sunday in a big way. The Steelers are reeling coming into Santa Clara for Week 3.

They are without their franchise quarterback, after losing Ben Roethlisberger for the year last week. Their lead running back, James Conner, is dealing with a knee injury. He is considered day-to-day and is confident that he’ll play on Sunday.

While all hope isn’t lost in Pittsburgh, it will be difficult for its offense to have the cohesion the team has been used to. The 49ers should be able to capitalize on this, as the defense looks for it third stellar showing of 2019.

Prediction:  49ers score at least 30 points for the third week in a row.