AGREE TO DISAGREE – 49ers

IF BEN CAN’T GO IT SHOULD BE BATCH. AGREE—Batch is a veteran who knows, better than Ben Roethlisberger, when to get rid of the ball to avoid a sack or an interception. He won’t try to play above his ability and he CAN move when necessary. He knows the offense and is less likely to commit turnovers against a good 49ers defense which are what would most assuredly lose the game for the Steelers. He can produce enough points with this offense that the defense could protect for the win. 

SAN DIEGO IS THE TEAM WITH THE BEST CHANCE TO BEAT THE RAVENS. DISAGREE—I have to include the caveat that if the Bengals are still the hunt for the final playoff position THEY are the team with the best chance to beat the Ravens. The Chargers are WAY too inconsistent to have to depend on them for a win. And remember, the Ravens have toplay the Bengals in Cincinnati this time on Week 17. 

IF POUNCEY CAN’T GO, TRAI ESSEX PLAYS LEFT GUARD (NOT KEMOATU). AGREE—Chris Kemoatu may have played himself out of a roster spot with the Steelers (pending a disaster scenario). He has just totally forgotten how to play without committing penalties and was called out this week by Mike Tomlin; one of the few times he has ever called out an individual player for poor performance, saying "he's playing illegally."

20 POINTS WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO BEAT THE 49ers. AGREE—This also comes with a caveat that the Steelers’ defense continues to play to the level of the past four weeks. The loss of James Harrison hurts. It will particularly hurt if Lamar Woodley can’t play or is limited in his participation. Key—Put pressure on Alex Smith and force INTs.

- PREDICTION -

STEELERS 23 - 49ers 13