Quarterback Battle: 49ers' Colin Kaepernick vs Steelers Ben Roethlisberger (Photo : Reuters)
Jim Tomsula successfully started his San Francisco 49ers head coaching stint with a blowout 20-3 win over the Adrian Peterson-led Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. Next, they head to the Heinz Field in Pittsburgh to face Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, who dropped a disappointing 28-21 game against Tom Brady's Patriots on opening night.
Running back Carlos Hyde outperformed his more illustrious teammate, quarterback Colin Kaepernick, to lead the 49ers past the Vikings at the Levi's Stadium last Sunday, via Bleacher Report.
Hyde carried 26 times for 168 yards and two touchdowns while Kaepernick passed 17-of-26 for 165 yards and a QBR of 75.8.
The Steelers are still missing the services of their suspended key players, running back Le'Veon Bell and wideout Martavis Bryant, and it was apparent in their opener as they were unable to reciprocate New England's offense at the Gillette Stadium last Thursday, as per Oregon Live.
Playing their first game at home, Pittsburgh can definitely benefit from the home field advantage but San Francisco should make the most of the Steelers' suspect defense to put points on the board for a high-scoring game.
Prediction: Steelers win, 35-27
San Francisco 49ers starting lineup
Offense: Kaepernick (QB), Hyde (RB), Miller (FB), Smith (WR1), Boldin (WR2), Davis (TE), Staley (LT), Boone (LG), Martin (C), Devey (RG), Pears (RT)
Defense: Dorsey (DE), Williams (NT), Dial (DE), Lynch (OLB), Bowman (ILB), Wilhoite (ILB), Brooks (OLB), Brock (CB1), Acker (CB2), Bethea (SS), Reid (FS)
Pittsburgh Steelers starting lineup
Offense: Roethlisberger (QB), D. Williams (RB), Johnson (FB), Brown (WR1), Wheaton (WR2), Miller (TE), Beachum (LT), Foster (LG), Wallace (C), DeCastro (RG), Gilbert (RT)
Defense: Heyward (DE), McLendon (NT), Tuitt (DE), Moats (OLB), Shazier (ILB), Timmons (ILB), Harrison (OLB), Allen (CB1), Gay (CB2), Thomas (SS), Mitchell (FS)
