Monday's Game

Steelers at 49ers

8:30 p.m., ESPN

Line: No line

Skinny: If the 49ers (10-3) can keep the AFC power Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) out of the end zone on the ground, they will become the first team in NFL history to do so in the first 14 games. . . . San Francisco also hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 35 straight games - though Pittsburgh's Rashard Mendenhall, with his eight rushing touchdowns, will be determined to try to break one of those streaks. . . . Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is likely a game-time decision because of an ankle injury that forced him to wear a walking boot during the week. He hasn't missed a start because of injury since 2009. . . . One key component in the 49ers' defensive success has been line coach Jim Tomsula, who led the 49ers to a season-ending victory as interim head coach after Mike Singletary's firing last season. . . . Pittsburgh owns the No. 1 pass defense, but linebacker James Harrison will serve his one-game suspension for a helmet-to-facemask hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy on Dec. 8. . . . Pittsburgh will also play without center Maurkice Pouncey, who had hoped to play despite a sprained left ankle, and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, out with a sprained right foot.

- Associated Press EndText