Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) at San Francisco 49ers (10-3 SU, 10-2-1 ATS), Monday Night Football, December 19th, 2011. 8:30PM EST, NFL Football Week 15
Candlestick Park San Francisco, Ca
By Jay Horne, NFL Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Pit OFF/SF OFF
Over/Under Total: OFF
Bet the Steelers/Niners game at an online bookie that offers you the ability to save big bucks every time you bet by laying only -105 odds rather than the traditional -110 that most books offer: 5Dimes.
Big time football hits the Monday Night stage this week when the San Francisco 49ers host the Pittsburgh Steelers inside Candlestick Park. Both the Steelers and the 49ers currently sport the 2nd best records in the NFL at the 10-3 mark behind only the Green Bay Packers. Not only have both teams played extremely well this year, but each has the potential to make a run at their respected conference championships. Luckily the nation will get the privilege of watching a rare late season match-up between two of the best from the AFC and NFC.
The Steelers scored a big Thursday night win against Cleveland last week 14-3 and will have a few extra days rest advantage over the 49ers. However, QB Ben Roethlisberger was hurt in that game with a high ankle sprain. Even though Big Ben returned to action to in the 2nd half in the victory over the Browns, his status is still 'day to day.' However, it's highly unlikely anything will keep Roethlisberger out of the game even if he is not at 100%. Even while Roethlisberger was hobbling on one good ankle last week, he still managed to complete 16 of 21 passing for 280 yards for 2 scores and 1 pick. Therefore, I would not expect Roethlisberger to be anything but himself on the Monday Night Football stage.
So far this season wide receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown have been seemingly unstoppable in the passing game. Wallace leads the team with 1,034 receiving yards with 8 touchdowns while Brown has tallied 925 receiving yards with 2 additional scores. Collectively the Steelers receiving core should present some challenges for the 49ers defense especially if Big Ben has another strong performance. Though San Francisco has been rock solid on defense this year, they have had some difficulty against the pass giving up 235 yards per game. Therefore, it will be up to the Pittsburgh passing attack to continue to exploit any type of weakness in that San Francisco secondary.
BET ON MNF USING YOUR CREDIT CARD AT A SPORTSBOOK WHERE YOUR VISA WILL WORK FOR DEPOSITING! BETONLINE
On the other side of the field, San Francisco will have the unfortunate challenge of trying to overcome one of the tougher defensive units they have faced all season. Pittsburgh always has one of the better defensive units in the NFL and this season is no different. The Steelers currently rank 2nd in the NFL allowing just 276 yards and 15.2 points per game. However, don't expect that to scare the 49ers who should have a chip on their shoulder after letting a close game against Arizona slip through their fingers last week. The 49ers had a 19-7 lead in that game before the Cardinals rallied from behind to steal a 21-19 victory.
So far this season, QB Alex Smith has had a surprisingly impressive year. Smith has completed 62% passing for 2,565 yards with 15 scores and 5 picks. The most important statistic is the interceptions that have been scarce this season. The type of football the 49ers play is only successful when the offense protects the ball. Therefore, that will priority number 1 in what is expected to be a close game this Monday.
Rest assuredly the 49ers offense will rely heavily on running back Frank Gore when the battle the Steelers. Gore has been the workhorse for the offense all season carrying the ball 234 times for 1,034 yards and 6 touchdowns. Gore carried the ball just 10 times for 71 yards in the loss to Arizona last week, but I would expect much more carries this week. In my opinion, the success San Francisco has running the football Monday Night will have a big impact on their chances to win. The Steelers normally are extremely tough against the run and if the 49ers do not run the ball well they could find their selves on the long side of the field. Therefore, keep a close eye on how effectively San Francisco moves the ball on the ground.
Jay's Pick to Cover the Point Spread: There's no line out for this game at time of print, but we're likely to play the UNDER here if it comes out at 37 or more. SF is absolutely nasty at home on the defensive side of the ball and Pitt can hold their own as well. Points should be at a premium Monday night!
Editor's Picks - Each week our in house pro's tackle the week's card and make predictions on the week's games ATS! Best bets, top plays, premium selections, etc. FREE!
Expert NFL Picks - Free premium plays from the "real" expert football handicappers from around the web. Don't fall for second rate picks from ESPN, the NFL Network, Hank Goldberg or the screaming touts on TV.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We forecast the loudest barking dog of the week. Expect a 60% winning percentage with these plays.
Favorite of the Week Play - We examine "the chalk" and determine the safest bet in which who you should lay the points with. Forecasting winning favorites long term isn't easy, but we've had some pretty good luck with it over the years.
The Armchair Quarterback Predictions - ACQ makes an appearance at Predictem to give out his much coveted troika of free weekly NFL picks. Put your helmet on and tackle your bookie with these sick picks. He is simply FLAT NASTY!
Line Movement Plays - We report all the major line moves from the gridiron and forecast whether it's public money or sharp action causing the move.
NFL Consensus Picks - See what the general public is betting on. We use this info to fade the public to the tune of big profits over the course of the season.
NFL Trends - Don't ever let anybody tell you that the trend is your friend. These picks make great fades which is exactly what we do with them.
Monday Night Football Picks - The ultimate bailout play. Our MNF picks are golden and have hit 62% or better 3 out of the past 4 years. (Last season was a disaster!) Did we mention that their FREE?
Superbowl Predictions - Our take before the season on who we think will win Superbowl XLVI. We'll update with a final pick based on the actual remaining teams a week prior to the big game at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5th, 2012.
Super Bowl Picks - Everybody here in the Predictem office takes their best preseason shot at predicting the winner Superbowl 46. Pride is on the line here! Oh, and LOOT too! Picks will be updated a 2nd and final time two weeks before the Super Bowl plays.
Free UFL Picks - Point spread predictions for the United Football League each week of their season (starting in October).
5Dimes - Bet your NFL football picks at -105 odds every day of the week! 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Pleasers and huge point buying opportunities as well!
Intertops - Tired of deposit hassles? Bet on football using your credit card at a sportsbook where your Visa CAN and WILL work for deposits!
SBG Global - Best parlays odds online! Get paid 12-1 on 4 team parlays! Best at accepting credit cards for deposits too!
Football Bets - We explain all the different types of wagers that you can place on an NFL game and give advice on which ones good and which are sucker bets. We also explore the value of betting at reduce odds.
Superbowl Betting - We explain all the different types of wagers you can making including point spread bets, totals, moneylines and prop bets.
Statless NFL Handicapping - The quick, easy way and yes, it's effective!
Betting NFL Underdogs - It's the first thing you should consider every Sunday. We explain why.
Choosing an Online Sportsbook - We talk about things to consider before you commit to play at one.
Famous Football Quotes - From the inspirational to the greatest touchdown calls of all time. We've got them!
Pro Football Hall of Fame - A full list of NFL players who have been inducted into the NFL HOF.
The Spread - Offers free NFL football predictions, matchups, stats including both offensive and defensive and more!
Fantasy Football Sites - Get recommendations on where to find weekly updated player news, depth charts and legit websites that offer the best stat and record tracking for your fantasy football league.