We have to wait until Monday night to watch the Steelers take on the 49ers in the most exciting matchup of Week 15, but it's never too early to look ahead for some picks. Let's take a look around the Internet, starting with USA Today, who has an interesting perspective on the Steelers' chances for success without Ben Roethlisberger.
Wide receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown might not suffer as much as you think without Roethlisberger. Wallace torched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 100 yards and two TDs when Charlie Batch started in Week 3 of 2010. And since he was drafted in 2004, the Steelers are 8-6 when Roethlisberger hasn't played. And they've actually done better in shootouts when he hasn't played. When opponents have scored 21 or more points, the Steelers are 9-22 with Roethlisberger and 7-4 without him.
Next, NFL Mocks, who kindly picks the Steelers to win.
There are some exciting games in this docket. This game is going to be the hardest hitting, most defensive orientated. The 49ers are at home which will help them, but I think the Steelers have much more variety in their offense which should make them the favorites in this game.