5 bold predictions for 49ers Week 3 matchup vs. Steelers
By James Jones
No. 2: George Kittle will have a 100-yard game
Tight end George Kittle has not statistically begun this regular season where he left off in 2018. Don’t tell that to Shanahan, as he believes that the NFL single-season record holder for yards at his position is faring just fine.
“I think he’s right up there,” Shanahan said. “There’s some guys that just as blockers, the best blocking tight ends that I’ve had, if we just went off that, are usually just blocking tight ends. Kittle, for him to do what he’s done in the pass game here in these last two years, I’d say he’s the best blocking tight end who’s a pass-game guy also.”
Earlier this week, I referenced how fantasy football owners who drafted Kittle might not be excited after two weeks of sub-par fantasy numbers. That matters little to the 49ers winning games, as they have shown that, by spreading the ball around, they are more dangerous.
This is the week Kittle shows his obvious pass-catching ability. Pittsburgh allowed 13 receptions of 20-plus yards to tight ends in 2018. Kittle had 20 catches of over 20 yards in that same stretch.
After two games this year; the Steelers are leaking passing yards like a sieve. Kittle will capitalize.
Prediction: Kittle will go for over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown for the first time this year.