Bleacher Report's Expert Week 1 NFL Picks | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The Pittsburgh Steelers have set up quarterback Kenny Pickett to make a second-year leap, and that may pay early dividends in the form of a Week 1 upset.

Pittsburgh signed left guard Isaac Seumalo to shore up the interior of the offensive line. In an open competition for the left tackle job, Dan Moore Jr. won the battle against rookie first-rounder Broderick Jones. The team acquired wideout Allen Robinson II and selected tight end Darnell Washington in the third round of the draft.

Pickett should have enough pass protection to spread the ball like an NBA point guard.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers have a couple of major question marks.

Is Nick Bosa conditioned for a full workload after he held out in the offseason? On Wednesday, he agreed to terms with the 49ers on a new deal that makes him the league's highest-paid defensive player, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. On a positive note, the 25-year-old seems ready to play.

Also, All-Pro tight end George Kittle has an issue with his adductor, which has limited his participation at practices.

With Pickett's potential growth and supporting cast, Hanford is taking Pittsburgh to win straight up.

"Brock Purdy shocked the NFL with his late-season run last year, but the pressure is on now that he's the unquestioned starter in San Francisco," he said. "While the 49ers' roster is loaded from top to bottom, traveling across the country to play a Steelers team that's looking to prove something in Week 1 is no easy task.

"Pickett's added experience combined with a stable of weapons headlined by fellow second-year breakout candidate George Pickens, a retooled offensive line and a deeper defense will have Pittsburgh ready to surprise in Week 1.

"The home team is 4-0 the last four times these two teams have met, with the Steelers being 3-1 against the spread in that span. Not only do I like the Steelers to cover in Week 1, but I also like Mike Tomlin's crew to win outright."

Predictions

Davenport: 49ers

Gagnon: Steelers

Hanford: Steelers

Knox: Steelers

Moton: Steelers

O'Donnell: Steelers

Sobleski: Steelers

ATS Consensus: Steelers +2.5

SU Consensus: Steelers

Score Prediction: Steelers 20, 49ers 17