The Sports Xchange

San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin

*Keys to the game: The hiring of former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula to steer the ship was at the forefront of reasons many in the media predicted a 49ers freefall this season, but San Francisco came out physical and well-prepared in its Week 1 shellacking of Minnesota. That was at home on a Monday night, and replicating that success at Pittsburgh will provide another litmus test.

We know second-year RB Carlos Hyde is the centerpiece of coordinator Geep Chryst’s offense. What we don’t know is whether the Steelers’ retooled defense can do enough to contain him and force the game onto Colin Kaepernick’s arm. Kaepernick was efficient but hardly dynamic against the Vikings and Pittsburgh wants to test his mettle in a tight game in a hostile environment.

The Steelers are without suspended RB Le’Veon Bell for on more game, but DeAngelo Williams turned back the clocked to churn out 127 yards on 6.0 yards per carry in the opener. The 49ers’ front seven rendered Adrian Peterson moot Monday night, but have to be more concerned about their young secondary being exposed to WR Antonio Bryant and QB Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to extend plays.

*Matchup to watch – 49ers NT Ian Williams vs. Steelers C Cody Wallace: Pittsburgh misses All-Pro C Maurkice Pouncey and Wallace will be charged with calling out protections against 49ers coordinator Eric Mangini’s defense that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said spins “the dial with pressure, bogus pressure and coverage,” particularly on third down.

*Player spotlight – Steelers CB Ross Cockrell: The fourth-round pick of the Bills picked up off waivers Sept. 5 practiced in the nickel package Wednesday and could be in line for that role Sunday with Cortez Allen (knee) uncertain and veteran Brandon Boykin inactive for Week 1.

*Fast facts: Tomsula is a native of Homestead, Pa. … 49ers LB Aaron Lynch has seven sacks in his past 11 games. … Brown has at least five catches in 33 consecutive games and seven-plus catches in 12 consecutive games – both NFL records.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

There is still a wait-and-see approach with the 49ers despite a dominating home win in primetime to kick off the season. But RB Carlos Hyde will help control the clock and the Steelers’ are vulnerable with a young defense and minus two All-Pros on offense (WR Le’Veon Bell and C Maurkice Pouncey) and suspended WR Martavis Bryant.

*Our pick: 49ers 27-26