Steelers v Chargers

San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Offense at Chargers Defense:

Sometimes, watching the Steelers offense can give someone a headache. Or in Ben Rothelisbergers case, a concussion. Big Ben got nailed in the Steelers last game of the season, and had to be carted off the field. He will play, but its been only 2 weeks. Even with him at full strength, this team has trouble scoring. They were 20th in the league in scoring, at only 21 points per game. And for all of the talk about how the Pittsburgh Steelers are traditionally a tough, running team, this team is not that. They are 23rd in the league in rushing at only 105 yards per contest. They Steelers do not create alot of big plays, and score when they drive down the field one play at a time. 

The Chargers defense came up big last week, holding the Colts to only 17 points (you could argue they held them to 10, as they weren't even lined up for 1 touchdown). They give up alot of yards, but can hold teams out of the endzone. There weak spot is there secondary, as they are second to last in yards allowed, at almost 250. This could be the andidote for Big Bens headache, as he should have no problem moving the ball down the field on this team. 

ADVANTAGE: STEELERS

Chargers Offense vs Steelers Defense:

The Steelers defense is the best the league. They rank first in points allowed (13.9), yards allowed (237.2), passing yards (156.9) and second in rushing yards, at 80.2. Last time they played the Chargers, they held them to 10 points, and held Darren Sproles to 1 carry for 0 yards, and 1 catch for 9 yards. Sproles will get more then 1 carry tommorw, but its no fluke that they held him in check. Sproles strength is  his speed, and that is the strength of the Steelers defense. Chris Lombardi, on the B.S. Report., said that the field in Pittsburgh is not a field built for speed. That is not good for Sproles. 

If Sproles can't get anything done, the game will be in Phillip Rivers hands. Rivers played well enough to win last week, but didn't throw any touchdowns. In their first meeting, Rivers threw for only 164 yards. Rivers has played in 5 playoff games, so he won't be ratteled by this big stage. But he will be ratteled by the Steelers defense.

ADVANTAGE: STEELERS

Analysis:

This Chargers team can never be counted out. Last season, they went into Indianpolis and won as huge under dogs. This season, they came back from 4-8 to make the playoffs, then they beat the Colts again as underdogs. So while the Steelers are favorites this weekend, don't expect that to get to the Chargers. The Chargers are one of the hottest teams in the league, and will not be an easy out. But for an offense that is currently built around a small, quick running back, you do not want to face one of the hardest hitting, fastest defenses in the league. I don't expect Sproles to be effective, and the Steelers defense to hold the Chagers offense in check. The Steelers offense should only need around 17-20 points to win this game, and I think they can do it 

PICK: Steelers