NFL
Chargers vs. Steelers: Picks, Predictions, and Prop Bets
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished18 Sep 2024
It’s a battle of undefeated teams in Week 3 as the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) host the Los Angeles Chargers (2-0). Below are Sportscasting.com’s picks, predictions, and prop bets for Chargers vs. Steelers.
Chargers vs. Steelers Picks and Predictions
Justin Herbert suffered his ankle injury on this play vs. Panthers. He did not miss a snap and finished the game. pic.twitter.com/5See8nkAnT
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 18, 2024
| Game | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | +1.5 (-112) | +102 | O 35.5 (-112) |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | -1.5 (-108) | -120 | U 35.5 (-108) |
Odds via Fanduel on 9/18/24. subject to change.
The Steelers are a slight 1.5-point favorite over the Chargers.
Justin Herbert’s health is the biggest question mark for the Chargers. The Chargers quarterback injured his ankle in the team’s 26-3 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Although Herbert did not miss a snap in the win, his ankle will be compromised on Sunday. Limited mobility favors the Steelers’ defensive line and their star edge rusher, T.J. Watt.
Los Angeles has established their dominance on the ground, a staple in a Jim Harbaugh-led offense. J.K. Dobbins is off to an excellent start, rushing for at least 131 yards and one touchdown in each game.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s defense has been excellent, ranking fifth against the run (76.5 yds/g) and second in points allowed (8.0 pts/g).
Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is 2-0 this season. The former Bears quarterback will probably start again on Sunday for the injured Russell Wilson.
Fields has been the ultimate game manager. The numbers are pedestrian—30 of 43, 273 yards, and one touchdown. However, Fields is protecting the ball (zero turnovers) this year, a far cry from his turnover-heavy days in Chicago.
This game could come down to a field goal, and Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell is 8 of 8 to start the year. Herbert’s lack of mobility and the Steelers’ dominant defensive line will be the difference as Pittsburgh pulls out a last-second win in their home opener.
Pick: Steelers -1.5
Chargers vs. Steelers: Prop Bet
#Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh tells reporters that Justin Herbert will be listed with an ankle injury at practice today. Did not seem to be a major issue.
“Crystal ball? Expect him to get better every day. I was in a meeting with him. Said he was feeling much better and good…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2024
Herbert faces an uphill battle in Sunday’s game because of an ankle injury.
Even if Herbert is close to 100%, the Steelers defense is a different animal.
With Herbert’s mobility, expect Harbaugh and the Chargers offense to run the ball frequently and often. Through two games, the Chargers are averaging the second most rushing yards per game in the NFL with 197.5.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are giving up 184 ing yards on the season. Per Underdog, Herbert’s ing yards total is 199.5.
Herbert only threw for 144 yards in Week 1 and 130 yards in Week 2. Facing a better defense in Week 3, Herbert makes it three ing unders to start the season.
Prop Bet: Herbert Under 199.5 ing Yards
