49ers: What are the Chances...?

The Steelyard estimates that the Steelers have a 70 percent chance of defeating the San Francisco 49ers tomorrow. Both teams are 2-0 but the Steelers have looked considerably more impressive thus far this season. Expect the Steelers "D" to focus on shutting down 49ers RB Frank Gore , thereby putting the game in the hands of third-year QB Alex Smith. Meanwhile, the Steelers offense will have to contend with an underrated and fast-improving 49ers defense that features several impact players (including CB Nate Clements, who is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL). Also, watch for rookie LB Patrick Willis (19 tackles and a forced fumble in the first two games), arguably the leading candidate for defensive rookie of the year. The 49ers best chance is to keep this a low scoring game. If the Steelers' offense is effective early the Niners don't have the firepower to play catch-up.

Of note: The 49ers won the last meeting between the two teams, 30-14, way back in 2003. But Pittsburgh has won 12 of its last 13 games versus the NFC, the lone loss coming last year at Atlanta, when Ben Roethlisberger was knocked out of the game with a concussion in the third quarter.

* "What are the Chances?" is 2-0 so far this year.