Pittsburgh Steelers vs. San Francisco 49ers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

This is a huge game for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Niners need to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and the Steelers need to win out to have a chance at the AFC North title and home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Ben Roethlisberger has a badly sprained left ankle and a medical analyst has predicted, Big Ben will not play. That still remains to be seen, we all know Ben will play if it is humanly possible, but fans and others interested have to prepare in case he doesn't suit up.

The Niners have feasted on the have-nots this year, but they lost to the Cowboys, Ravens and Cardinals. That said, they also need this game for their psyche. They need to experience knocking off an elite team. As of now, their best win is a 13-8 decision over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3.

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

When: Monday, December 19, 8:30 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN (check local listings)

Over/Under: Total 39.5, according to Footballlocks.com

This is a game pitting two of the best defenses in the NFL against each other. Both teams also have dominant run games. The teams are very similar, but the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger are much more explosive; without him, things change.

If the game is a shootout, it certainly favors the Steelers, but I don't see this one playing out that way. It stays low scoring, under 40 points, even if Ben plays.

Spread: San Francisco -3, according to Footballlocks.com

The Niners are at home, so that gives them some advantage, and two of the Steelers' three losses have been away from Heinz Field. Home or away, the Niners can't blow the Steelers out. Pittsburgh won't turn the ball over enough for that, and the Niners don't have the type of high-powered attack to distance themselves.

Again, it comes down to whether Roethlisberger plays or not. If he doesn't, the Niners will cover, if he does, they won't.

Key Injuries:

Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger (doubtful) ankle injury

San Francisco CB Carlos Rogers (probable)
San Francisco LB Patrick Willis (doubtful) hamstring

Fantasy Big Plays

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

I would stay away from Roethlisberger, for obvious reasons, but Rashard Mendenhall is the Steelers best bet for a fantasy breakout game. It won't be easy against the NFL's best run defense.

Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Here is where the Niners can really hurt the Steelers. Most of the Steelers LBs don't cover well enough to handle Davis' athleticism. Alex Smith's utilization of Davis up the middle of the field will be huge.
Davis will have a big day.

Keys to a San Francisco Win

Eliminating turnovers and starting fast. You cannot play catchup against the Steelers. The Niners need to come out and punch the Steelers in the mouth early, especially if Roethlisberger misses the game. They need to establish Davis up the seam, and combine that attack with delays and traps to Frank Gore.

Keys to a Pittsburgh Win

In short, suit up No. 7. Without the Steelers' passing attack operating at a premium, it will be hard to defeat the Niners on the road. If Ben is healthy enough to go, the Steelers must avoid turnovers in the passing game, and allow their great athletes at WR to make big plays down the field.

The Steelers also have the toughest defense in the NFL against the pass, which is impressive, seeing as they are 10-3 and have been leading in most of their games.

Prediction

The Niners will win the game either way, but, it will be very close if Roethlisberger plays. He gives them an element the Niners don't have, a QB that can win a game for you. Up until now, all I'm sure of is that Alex Smith won't lose it for you. In games like this, QBs have to go out and get it.

That said, the Niners defense has carried them, along with the running game. Gore will be there, along with the O-line, but the Niners will have to make due without Patrick Willis.

The home-field advantage will carry them on Monday Night, by a razor thin margin.

17-16 Niners.