Steelers Favored By 6 1/2 Over Chargers

NFL News - October 1st, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to break their two game losing skid as the San Diego Chargers enter Heinz Field on Sunday. The Steelers (1-2) lost last week on a late touchdown by the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.  The Chargers (2-1) defeated the Miami Dolphins 23-13.  The defending Super Bowl Champions are looking to keep themselves from losing their third straight.  In their last meeting, the divisional round of last year's playoffs, the Steelers came away with a 34-24 win.

Pittsburgh will have to find a way to get their running game going.  They are averaging only 81 yards a game on the ground.  Willie Parker is their leading rusher and has only rushed for 159 yards with no touchdowns.  The Steelers have had to rely on the arm of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger this season.  He has passed for 860 yards and 3 touchdowns, but has 4 picks on the year.  They have two great receivers in Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward who have combined for 474 yards receiving.  Their defensive unit has not lived up to expectations and took a serious hit when they lost Troy Polamalu.  Their secondary will truly be tested this week as the Chargers are averaging over 300 yards per game in the air.  They will need to find a way to pressure quarterback Philip Rivers who has been very effective this year.  The Steeler's defense has not been able to finish games and have allowed two fourth quarter comebacks.

The Chargers' rushing game has been non-existent this year and is averaging only 66 yards per game.  This could be due to the fact that starting running back LaDainian Tomlinson has missed the past two games with an ankle injury.  He is listed as questionable this week and back up Darren Sproles has not gotten his game going yet.  Rivers has been the bright spot for the Charger's offense.  He is leading the league in passing yards with 991 yards in the air and has been relied on heavily due to the lack of a rushing game.  Defensively, the Chargers have struggled against the run this year and they are giving up 142 yards per game.  They should play well against the Steelers' rushing offense which has had their share of problems this year.  They will need to stop Roethlisberger to force the Steelers to focus on the run. 

Betus Sportsbook has the Steelers favored in this game by 6 1/2 with the over/under set at 43.  One interesting fact to note is that the Chargers are 5-1-1  against the spread in their past seven games as the underdog. 

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