NFL betting players would have never guessed that the defending Super Bowl champions from Pittsburgh would be 1-2 heading into Week 4, but that's the scenario as the Steelers will host San Diego, who haven't been that great either.
Chargers vs Steelers odds - Sunday, October 4, 8:20 PM ET
The Chargers did just enough to beat Miami 23-13 at home, and that was even with Miami going to a backup quarterback (Chad Henne) for the second half. Philip Rivers was 18-of-33 for 303 yards and a five-yard touchdown scramble, which was only the second rushing touchdown of his career. He may need to run more, because the Chargers' ground game is struggling badly. Darren Sproles ran for 41 yards as the Chargers averaged 2.5 yards per carry, which isn't going to give sportsbook players much confidence.
The Steelers lost an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter of a 23-20 loss in Cincinnati, and this year's Pittsburgh team is having some problems. Willie Parker finally has a decent game with 93 yards, but he injured his toe and may not play this week. Ben Roethlisberger was 22-of-31 for 276 yards, a touchdown and a pick that was returned for a score, but it was the defense that suffered late, which was unlike the Steelers we know.
Betting services are backing the Steelers by six points at home, where they've won seven straight games. The Chargers definitely aren't fans of the "Steel City": in their last 10 trips to Pittsburgh, San Diego has lost nine times, including a 35-24 loss to the Steelers in last year's playoffs. Pittsburgh needs a big performance to show that they're still the team to beat in the AFC, while the Chargers haven't showed much this season either. Both used to have good ground games, but the rushing attacks have stalled, meaning that it could turn into a shootout between Rivers and Roethlisberger. Normally, the home team would get the nod, but the Steelers haven't looked the same without Polamalu, while Rivers is unquestionably one of the top three pivots in the league. Go with the Chargers in an upset for your NFL picks.
