Bill Simmons Gives Big Steelers Prediction "Pittsburgh’s Gonna Beat San Francisco"

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 offseason has been phenomenal on paper, with the bandwagon more crowded by the day. No one really knew what 2022 would bring, considering it would be the first time in nearly 20 years the Steelers would have someone not named Ben Roethlisberger under center. Kenny Pickett is now firmly rooted as the franchise quarterback. When you think about the talented protectors that were brought in to surround him, confidence is flying high. It isn't only within the Steelers camp, the word is becoming far-reaching, and Bill Simmons became the next to agree on his podcast.

Steelers Are Exciting Bill Simmons In 2023

It's hard to pick holes in the fact that Pittsburgh had one of the best 2023 offseasons in the NFL. They found hidden gems deep in the 2023 NFL Draft; they were aggressive during free agency and sought large, talented, coachable players that would improve the environment on and off the football field. Isaac Seumalo and Broderick Jones were two offensive linemen brought in to protect Pickett, not to mention bringing in veteran players like Allen Robinson II at receiver and Patrick Peterson at cornerback.

When looking to the nearing 2023 regular season, Simmons used his podcast to throw his hat unabashedly into the ring for the Steelers. The 2023 additions and the talent growing from 2022 all mix together really well for the podcast host.

"I mentioned earlier the team that I’ve liked all year. All offseason. This is my team…I’m in on Pittsburgh…I’m in on Pickett. Pickens. Jaylen Warren is probably gonna take Najee Harris’ job at some point. They fixed the offensive line; it’s at least decent now. They have Watt back for the whole year. 7-2 they finished last year; a lot of that was without Watt [at 100%]."

Granted, giving the offensive line a 'decent' grade is a little underwhelming, but it's still an upgrade from 2022. It certainly helped that Pickett had a brilliant preseason in which he led the starting offense to five touchdowns in five total drives, all with a perfect passer rating. Yes, it's preseason, but you can't overlook the precision and poise that Pickett showed in every pass, handoff and celebration.

Steelers Will Be The Overreaction Team In 2023, Says Simmons

It's probably one of the most polarizing stats in the league currently, but did you know that Head Coach, Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season? In 2022, that was maintained, something that should be seen as a victory considering the time missed by Watt. In 2023, though, that is no longer the case. Is it still a badge of honor? Absolutely, but it can't be anywhere near the goal.

"Tomlin never has had a losing season, as you’ve heard that stat many times. I like the talent, and I don’t think their schedule is that hard."

According to Simmons, the Week 1 matchup that the Steelers have against the San Francisco 49ers will be the launching pad for Pittsburgh's overreaction tour. That is definitely saying something because the 49ers are a very good football team coming off an emotional end to their 2022 season. They will have a say in how the day ends, but when that is put up against what the Steelers will be bringing to the table, Simmons sees the scales as quite tilted.

The 49ers have their very own quarterback hype train, with Brock Purdy driving. Purdy was the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, grabbing him the unfortunate title of Mr. Irrelevant. From there, all he did was start in the 2022 NFC Championship game and become the final nail in the chapter of the Trey Lance experiment in San Francisco. Despite a tricky injury he has been rehabbing from, Purdy is riding that wave right into that Week 1 game of 2023. As high as the Purdy wave is, Simmons sees the Pickett wave as the superior one to be on.

"Week 1 they have San Francisco. I think Pittsburgh’s gonna beat San Francisco and could potentially become the overreaction team…I just think Pittsburgh’s gonna show up to that game, lay the smackdown, and we're off!"

It's one of the more ringing endorsements that Pittsburgh has had throughout the 2023 offseason, but it still all comes down to the hype becoming a real success on the field. Confidence will only get a team so far, but the 2023 Steelers don't look like one on the verge of a tumble. Instead, as Simmons clearly sees, the Steelers are ready to take that uphill climb to regain their elite status.

Is Bill Simmons right, and the Steelers will beat the 49ers in Week 1 of 2023? 

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