Steelers vs 49ers: Monday Night Football, Start Time, TV Channel and Score

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs San Francisco 49ers Monday Night Football showdown is very important for both teams as they try to get a bye week in the first round of the playoffs.

Once they were the lone second place in the NFC, the 49ers (10-3) are now caught by the New Orleans Saints (11-3). The Niners won only a game in their last three games that overshadowed their performances in the first 10 games. The Niners have not to worry about entering the playoffs as they already clinched it few weeks ago but getting the bye will be important for the team.

49ers are surprisingly in the downward spiral as the team looks for its identity after runningback Frank Gore struggled in the past games. Surely, the Niners offense is concentrated more on how they play the rush with him. Gore played significantly topping 126 yards per game in the month of October while he lost much of the power and speed in the month of November to December averaging only 54 yards. Obviously, Gore’s injury has something to do about his running game and it is in the wrong timing that he is not 100 percent.

The fact of the matter is that when Gore is not 100 percent, then the entire team also is being affected. Last week’s game against the Cardinals, Gore only rushed 10 times for 72 yards including a touchdown. He couldn’t shake the team in the second half just to have a chance for the 49ers. Even his teammates struggled and also their quarterback.

Alex Smith completed 18 of 37 passes for 175 yards but he couldn’t make the plays in the last quarter of the game against the Cardinals. Smith had no touchdown at all in a game that they should have won. Smith must show that he can carry this team deeper in the playoffs and he must bring them into a position of getting them a win. This is a game for the Niners that they must fight and give everything to have a chance to be in the bye week in the first round.

Coach Jim Harbaugh knows that this is the moment for his team to rise up and not go down to the pit as playoffs approaches. Harbaugh has installed something in this team that he can inspire them once again for winning purpose.

The Steelers are now in control of their destiny to be in the playoff with a bye week after their rival Ravens failed to win against the Chargers. Pittsburgh can end up the No 1 team in the AFC if they can win their three remaining games including this one.

For the Steelers, the highest concern right now is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who is a game time decision. He was injured 10 days ago against the Browns but surely his backup Charlie Batch is ready to play if Roethlisberger will be sidelined.

Another player that will not be in uniform for the Steelers is James Harrison who was suspended for a game by the NFL. Roethlisberger still limping on Wednesday but he refused to talk about his situation. He left the game against Cleveland as he finished 16 of 21 passes for 280 yards.

The Steelers know that this is the time for them to step up for the playoffs and that they need Big Ben to start so that they can keep up on the offense. Steelers defense allowed only three points against Cleveland in that Thursday night game.

Antonio Brown caught five passes for 151 yards including a long 79-yard touchdown reception. Brown is the key player in this game just to beat the 49ers because of his ability to soar higher just to catch the football.

Pittsburgh Steelers have the defense that can stop the running game of the Niners. Just remember few weeks ago when the Niners offense was derailed by the Ravens defense. Steelers defense is just as similar of the Ravens’ and the San Francisco 49ers will have a tough night in opening up gaps for Gore.

Coach Mike Tomlin understands that the next three games will be important for them to win because of the playoffs positioning implications. Tomlin has been in this similar situation before without Roethlisberger that his team is ready in case the quarterback will not start.

Steelers vs 49ers game time / start time is at 8:30 PM ET. The Pittsburgh Steelers vs San Francisco 49ers television coverage is on ESPN. Surely, Monday Night Football score will be available here after the game.

Do you think the Niners have enough firepower to overwhelm the Steelers? Or will the defense of the Steelers clamp down on Alex Smith passing game? What Monday Night Football for all the fans of the NFL. This will turn out as a classic game because two defenses will have a gigantic collision.

Monday Night Football Prediction:

Before taking a prediction, let’s look at the keys for the San Francisco 49ers. First, Alex Smith must be aggressive in finding his targets. If pressure comes from the weakside, he must throw the ball quick. Secondly, Frank Gore must have over 100 yards of rushing to compete with the Steelers. Gore’s game will be the barometer if the Niners will make this game competitive. Finally, the defense also must play against the Steelers if the 49ers will have to beat the Steelers. If all these things will happen for the 49ers, they will win the game. Also take into consideration that they are playing at Candlestick Park.

49ers vs Steelers 2011 Monday Night Football is jut few hours away. Who do you think will win?