Steelers-49ers NFL Week 1: 5 Things To Know

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Steelers will open the 2023 season Sunday against the star-studded San Francisco 49ers. Where the 17-game season will take the team is anyone's guess, but here are five things to know as Sunday approaches:

1. Going up against one of the NFL's best defenses last year will be a stern test for second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is expected to make a significant jump from his statistically unimpressive rookie season. Pickett had a spectacular preseason, but the games start to count now.

2. The biggest question leading up to the game was answered Wednesday when 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, who had held out for a new contract for all of training camp, agreed to a massive $170 million contract that will make him the NFL's highest paid defensive player. Now another question arises: How many snaps is Bosa likely to play after not practicing or playing in the preseason?

3. The Steelers' first second-round pick, cornerback Joey Porter Jr., is expected to see extensive playing time. Their first-round pick, offensive lineman Broderick Jones, is not.

4. The Steelers have an all-time season opener record of 46-36-5. They have won their last three openers, all on the road. The last two seasons, the upset the favored Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills.

5. Over the past five years, the 49ers have a mediocre 2-3 record in openers.

• Where: Acrisure Stadium
• When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
• Forecast: Chance of showers and thunderstorms, temperatures in the mid-70s.
• Favored: 49ers by by 2.5, according to oddsshark.com.
• Series history: 49ers lead the series 12-10.
• Last meeting: Sept. 22, 2019. 49ers won 24-20.
• Series streak: 49ers won the past meeting.
• TV: Fox with Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston and Pam Oliver.
• Radio: WDVE-FM with Bill Hillgrove, Craig Wolfley and Max Starks.