Both of these teams are 2-0 heading into their confrontation at Heinz Field this Sunday.  They have done it in different ways as the 49ers only have held the ball for 26:50 of their games while the Steelers hold onto the ball for 35:52.  To win this football game the 49ers must open up their offense.  If they try to just run Frank Gore (38 car, 136 yards, 3 TDs) all the time the Steelers will probably stuff him.  The Steelers are only allowing 74.0 yards rushing per game.  The 49ers must mix things up and pass on some early downs to loosen their defense a little bit.  WRs Darrell Jackson (7 rec, 97 yards) and Arnaz Battle (7 rec, 77 yards) must get down the field against the Steelers defense and that might be easier said than done as the Steelers already have 10 sacks this season.  To beat the blitz, Alex Smith must utilize TE Vernon Davis (4 rec, 27 yards) over the middle of the field and challenge the Steelers safeties to make plays on the gigantic TE.

The Steelers will try to throw the ball first to get a lead and then pound the Niners on the ground.  The 49ers do have a good set of CBs in Walt Harris and Nate Clements and they will try to push Hines Ward (8 rec, 106 yards, TD) and Santonio Holmes (5 rec, 108 yards, TD) off course.  It would be smart of the Steelers to go to TE Heath Miller (6 rec, 69 yards, TD) early in the game to loosen up the middle of the football field.  The best matchup on the football field will be RB Willie Parker (50 car, 235 yards, 1 TD) against the outstanding inside linebacker tandem of rookie Patrick Willis and Derek Smith.

PREDICTION:  This will be a defensive game.  I like the Steelers to win a game that will be much closer than most expect because of the 49ers defense which is pretty darn good.  The Niners will lose but they cover the pointspread.