Chargers vs. Steelers: Odds, predictions, stats and betting trends for Week 3

For the first time since the Los Angeles Chargers outgunned Pittsburgh 41-37 in a late November barnburner three years ago,  their worlds will collide on the gridiron again. Don’t expect a final score even approaching half of that (Vegas agrees).

Pittsburgh leads the all-time head-to-head series 24-11, and structurally, these two franchises couldn't be more different. The Steelers are an original franchise, revered locally and respected nationally while the Chargers are a nomadic mom-and-pop shop trying to transition from afterthought to the main attraction in the stadium they’re leasing. 

Since their last meeting, fortunes have remained stagnant in Pittsburgh, which is a credit to Mike Tomlin’s consistency and a curse in that it’s prevented them from drafting a high-upside franchise quarterback while they’ve cycled through journeymen and projects who’ve piggybacked a top-five defense which Macgyvers its way to 9-8 seasons. Jim Harbaugh’s reinvention of the Chargers has created a buzz that hasn’t been felt among the powder blue crew in over a decade and the 2-0 start has amplified those expectations. 

This matchup will take place in front of a capacity Pittsburgh crowd of around 70,000 Terrible Towel-waving fans which gives the Steelers one of the league’s toughest home-field advantages. However, Los Angeles boasts an upper-echelon quarterback who has strayed further from his peak level in wins over the Raiders and Panthers than Fields has shown he’s capable of — at least with his arms. Ultimately, the splash plays in this one are more likely to occur on the defensive end for both teams. 

How to Watch Chargers vs. Steelers live:

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 22
• Time: 1 p.m. EST
• Site: Acrisure Stadium
• Channel: CBS
• Livestream: Paramount+/Fubo TV

Latest game odds for Chargers vs. Steelers in Week 3

• Spread: Chargers +1.5, Steelers -1.5
• Total: Over/Under: 35.5
• Moneyline: Chargers +105, Steelers -125

Chargers at Steelers team stats and betting trends

• Against the spread, the Steelers are unbeaten this season.
• Chargers and Steelers are both 2-0 to the under this season.
• The Steelers' under trend is 14-3 since last year.
• In the past 10 years, when two undefeated teams play, the Underdog has gone 35-20-1 against the spread according to @Bet_Labs
• Justin Fields: 136.5 passing yards per game, 69.8 completion percentage, 1 TD, 0 INTs, 22 rushes for 84 yards
• Najee Harris: 37 carries for 139 yards, 0 TDs
• George Pickens: 8 receptions, 114 yards, 0 TDs 
• T.J. Watt: 7 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 sacks and 1 PDs 
• Justin Herbert: 137 passing yards per game, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 24 rushing yards
• J.K. Dobbins: League-leading 266 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 9.9 yards per carry
• Quentin Johnston: 8 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TDs
• Khalil Mack: 5 tackles, 1 TFL, 1.5 sacks
• Joey Bosa: 9 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks 

Player news and injuries

• Justin Fields is probable (ankle)
• LAC WR1 Joshua Palmer is questionable (elbow, calf)
• LAC LB Bud Dupree (undisclosed) is questionable
• Steelers LG Isaac Seumoalo (undisclosed) is questionable.      
• Steelers QB Russell Wilson is questionable (ankle).