NFL Predictions: Week 15 Monday Night Football

NFL Sunday was absolutely brilliant this week, and full of surprises. The Packers lost, the Colts won, the Seahawks blew out the Bears, Drew Brees staked a claim for MVP and Tebow time ran out against the Patriots. And that was all before the Ravens fell badly at the Chargers. The Monday night game has a lot to live up to, but on paper it could be the game of the week.

Pittsburgh (10-3) at San Francisco (10-3)
I left it late to do this prediction tonight, as I was waiting to see if Ben Roethlisberger was going to make it. He has, and that is a big big boost for the Steelers. Big Ben has a career starting record of 79-32. That is insane. The Steelers also have the chance to take over the lead in the AFC North with a win, and cement themselves as first seed in the AFC, having already beaten the Patriots. Good on offence, and great on defence. A win here could put them in the hunt for yet another Superbowl run. Add that to the fact that they must be buzzing after featuring heavily in the new Dark Knight Rises trailer that got released today!

The 49ers have lost two of their last 3, and will drop to 3rd seed in the NFC with a loss here tonight. Their home advantage though, could be a big thing for them, they have lost at home just once all season. Jim Harbaugh has come in and revitalised this team, who were quite frankly terrible last year. Alex Smith is having the season of his life, just 3 touchdowns and a little more than 200 yards away from eclipsing his previous bests (2009 and 2006 respectively). With their experienced defence also playing well, we could have an absolute shootout.

If Big Ben can stay fit for the entire 60 minutes, I fancy the Steelers to take this. On a four game winning streak, and given up just 19 points in their last 3, Mike Tomlin has his team playing well, and I feel they will have just too much for the 49ers tonight.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 34 San Francisco 27