The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to stay unbeaten since early October when they face the Los Angeles Chargers in a key AFC showdown. Both teams are in the postseason picture with eight games remaining and both would like to keep the pressure on in their respective divisions. The Steelers (5-3-1), who tied the Detroit Lions 16-16 last week, had won four straight prior to that game and are 2-1 on the road. The Chargers (5-4), who dropped a 27-20 decision to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, are just 2-3 on their home field.
The game from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., is scheduled to begin at 8:20 p.m. ET. The Steelers are averaging 19.7 points per game, 26th-best in the league, while the Chargers are 15th in scoring at 24.3. Los Angeles is favored by 6.5 points in the latest Chargers vs. Steelers odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total points scored is 47.5. Before you make any Steelers vs. Chargers bets or predictions, make sure you check out what SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White has to say.
White, a CBS Sports fantasy and gambling editor, ended the 2020 season on an 80-59 run on all NFL picks, returning more than $1,400 during that span. It's no surprise, as White has cashed huge twice in the world's most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest. In addition, White is 48-28-3 on his last 79 against-the-spread picks involving the Steelers. Anyone who has followed him is way up.
Now, White has zoned in on Steelers vs. Chargers. You can head to SportsLine to see his picks. Here are the NFL lines and trends for Steelers vs. Chargers:
- Steelers vs. Chargers spread: Los Angeles -6.5
- Steelers vs. Chargers over-under: 47.5 points
- Steelers vs. Chargers money line: Pittsburgh +220, Los Angeles -270
- PIT: Steelers are 18-7-1 against the spread in their last 26 games as road underdogs
- LAC: Chargers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a straight-up loss
Why the Chargers can cover
Los Angeles is led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who has completed 65.4 percent of his passes this year. He is 231-for-353 for 2,545 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions and a 96.3 rating. He has also rushed 30 times for 117 yards (3.9 average) with two touchdowns and 13 first-down conversions. He has thrown for more than 300 yards in four games this season, completing 32 of 38 passes (84.2 percent) for 356 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-24 win at Philadelphia on Nov. 7.
His favorite target has been Keenan Allen, who leads the Chargers in receptions with 65 for 698 yards (10.7 average) and two touchdowns. He has had nine explosive plays of 20 yards or more and has converted 37 first downs. He has had three 100-yard receiving games this season, including a 12-catch, 104-yard performance at Philadelphia. Last week against Minnesota, Allen caught eight passes for 98 yards.
Why the Steelers can cover
Even with a key injury to T.J. Watt (hip), and COVID-19 concerns throughout the roster, including safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh is positioned well to take advantage of the Chargers' porous run defense. Running back Najee Harris had 133 yards from scrimmage, including 105 rushing, last week against the Detroit Lions. That was his fifth game with 100 or more yards from scrimmage this season, most among rookies. He has 120 or more yards from scrimmage in four of the past five games and is looking for his ninth game in a row with 75 or more yards from scrimmage.
On defense, tackle Cameron Heyward continues to be a force. He had a season-high two sacks last week and has a tackle for loss in three of his past four road games. He is tied for third on the team with 47 tackles, including 28 solo, with 4.5 sacks for 35 yards, and seven tackles for loss. Heyward has also broken up six passes, made one interception, forced one fumble and recovered one.
How to make Steelers vs. Chargers picks
For Sunday Night Football, White is leaning over the total, but he also says a critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back. You can only see what it is, and who to back, here.
Who wins Chargers vs. Steelers on Sunday Night Football? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Chargers vs. Steelers spread you need to jump on, all from the expert who is 28-18 on Steelers picks.
