The 49ers have been dominant so far this season, but they have taken advantage of two relatively awful teams. As such, the hype is coming in droves for San Francisco. At the same time, Pittsburgh just lost its Super Bowl-winning quarterback and is traveling all the way across the country at 0-2 ... and it's not even a touchdown underdog? There is a thought in my head that Mason Rudolph is an upgrade from Big Ben -- not just this week but long-term. That, plus the addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick, plus the urgency to win has me backing the Steelers not just to cover but potentially win the game. But if you think I'm going to give up nearly a TD of points, you're mistaken.

Mason Rudolph gave the offense a jolt when he took over for Big Ben, and I think that carries over Sunday. The 0-2 Steelers are clearly more desperate than the 2-0 49ers, who are 7-16 ATS in their last 23 home games. Look for a game that comes down to the wire.

Mike Tomlin isn't about to compromise the standards of the Steeler Way, and that means no training wheels on second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph – who takes over for Ben Roethlisberger after Big Ben's season-ending elbow injury. Rudolph has weapons, including former Oklahoma State teammate and deep-ball threat James Washington, at WR. Pittsburgh has to keep a keen eye on 49ers tight end George Kittle. Home field in this one doesn't mean a ton when it is Levi's Stadium, so take the Steelers and the points.

Now the Steelers turn to Mason Rudolph, who I thought played pretty well in relief (his one pick was entirely on the receiver). Note that he's had a year-plus in this system and his top collegiate receiver is also on the Steelers offense. I don't think the Steelers are in bad shape with Rudolph at QB, and I believe they'll have success against a 49ers defense that has looked better than expected but has played two poor teams thus far. With Joe Staley out at left tackle, the 49ers offense deserves a downgrade. I wouldn't be shocked if Pittsburgh pulls off the outright upset.