NFL Week 3 Preview: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Game Preview
This Sunday, September 22, 2024, the Los Angeles Chargers will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in a much-anticipated Week 3 clash at Acrisure Stadium. The game will see two defensive powerhouses square off, with both teams boasting unbeaten records (2-0) heading into the matchup.
The Steelers have had a strong start to the season, relying heavily on their defense, which has allowed just 16 points through two games. With Justin Fields filling in for the injured Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh has maintained a conservative offensive approach, focusing on the ground game with Najee Harris. Fields has been effective but not flashy, making few mistakes and complementing a defense that leads the NFL in third-down stops and turnover differential(
On the other hand, the Chargers, now under head coach Jim Harbaugh, have shown offensive versatility. After a 22-10 win over the Raiders and a dominant 26-3 victory over the Panthers, they come into this matchup with momentum. While Justin Herbert is dealing with a minor ankle injury, he is expected to play, which will be crucial as the Chargers’ offense thrives on his leadership. Los Angeles has leaned heavily on the run, led by J.K. Dobbins, who rushed for 131 yards in Week 2.
My Picks: Point Spread and Over/Under
Point Spread:
I would lean towards taking the Los Angeles Chargers +1.5. Despite being on the road, the Chargers have been impressive on both sides of the ball. Their potent rushing attack and Herbert’s playmaking ability should keep them competitive, even against a stout Steelers defense. If Herbert’s ankle holds up, he has the potential to make game-changing plays, which gives the Chargers an edge to cover the spread in a close contest.
Over/Under Pick:
I would choose the under 35 points. This game looks set to be a low-scoring, defensive battle. Both teams rank in the top 2 in points allowed per game, and the Steelers’ and Chargers’ defenses have been dominant in the red zone. Given the conservative offensive approaches from both teams, expect a lot of running plays and controlled drives, leading to limited scoring opportunities.
