Chargers vs. Steelers NFL Week 3 Picks: Low Total Makes the Over Intriguing
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Eduardo Solano
- September 17, 2024
NFL Pick: Over 35.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Two undefeated teams clash on Sunday when the Los Angeles Chargers visit the Pittsburgh Steelers. Let’s analyze the current NFL odds available at the top sportsbooks and go over all you need to know about this game.
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Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, September 22, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Acrisure Stadium
More Than Just Herbert
The Chargers leaned on a powerful rushing attack, racking up 219 yards on the ground, powered by J.K. Dobbins’ 131 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, with Gus Edwards chipping in 59 yards. This dominant ground game helped secure a 26-3 road win over the Panthers, lifting the Chargers to their first 2-0 start since 2012.
Star quarterback Justin Herbert completed 14 of 20 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He failed to reach 150 passing yards for the second straight game but it did not matter, as the Chargers are not relying so much on him like in previous seasons.
Quentin Johnston, the 2023 first-round pick, hauled in two touchdown passes, equaling his total from last season. He led the offense with five receptions for 51 yards.
On defense, the Chargers put on another strong display, holding Carolina to just 159 total yards. Joey Bosa and Denzel Perryman each recorded sacks, while safety Elijah Molden snagged an interception to cap a suffocating performance.
The Steelers Are Somehow 2-0
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are also off to a 2-0 start in the 2024 NFL season—their first such start in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era—after their 13-6 road win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The last time Pittsburgh opened 2-0 was in 2020 when they went on an 11-0 run to start the season.
However, the win wasn’t without its flaws. Penalties continued to plague the team, erasing several big plays, as the Steelers racked up 10 penalties for 78 yards. The struggles carried over from Week 1, and it wasn’t just discipline that faltered.
The Steelers’ offense and defense sputtered in the second half. After a promising start, Justin Fields managed only three completions for 16 yards after halftime, while the offense was held to just 62 total yards compared to Denver’s 233.
Despite the setbacks, the Steelers hung tough. Fields avoided turnovers for the second straight game, extending his personal streak of turnover-free performances to four games, including his final two starts with the Chicago Bears in 2023.
The Pick
This game has the potential to be high-scoring due to the Chargers’ balanced offense, which features a dominant rushing attack and a capable passing game led by Herbert, who’s already thrown multiple touchdowns this season despite lower yardage. With Johnston emerging as a red zone threat, the Chargers can strike both on the ground and through the air.
On the other side, while the Steelers’ offense has struggled at times, Fields has avoided turnovers and could break out if they clean up penalties and find more consistency. Both teams have the firepower to light up the scoreboard.
NFL Pick: Over 35.5 (-110) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
