NFL Betting – Chargers won’t pull off another upset in Pittsburgh
- WHO: San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6)
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, January 11 at 4:45 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA
- KEY STATS: Steelers are 10-2 straight up against conference opponents this season; Chargers are 4-0 against the spread as an underdog this season
- PICK: Steelers (-6)
When the NFL’s second-highest scoring team meets the NFL’s stingiest defense, NFL betting fans know something has to give. In Sunday’s Chargers vs Steelers line, it will give…in Pittsburgh’s favor.
Most of the online betting community was shocked last week when the streaking San Diego Chargers (8-8) – who sat 4-8 through Week 13 – beat the contender Indianapolis Colts in overtime. Feisty scat back Darren Sproles was the disrupting force in last week’s game, totaling a ridiculous 328 yards on a barrage of runs, receptions and returns, including the winning touchdown.
If you bet on sports, you know San Diego’s offensive output against Indy was no fluke; the Chargers offense is quite productive, ranking seventh in passing. Many NFL betting fans were surprised when quarterback Phillip Rivers lost out to Brett Favre and Jay Cutler for a Pro Bowl spot; Rivers led the league with 34 touchdown passes and a 105.5 passer rating. He has a balanced array of weapons, from big targets like Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson to pass-catching backs like Sproles and LaDainian Tom – oops. Online betting players probably have to count Tomlinson out for this contest, as he’s hampered by a groin injury.
No LT means the Chargers running game, which was a pedestrian 20th in the NFL in yards per contest this season, has to lean on Sproles again. Will lightning strike twice?
Don’t count on it. Sproles ran wild on a Colts D that, while underrated, was still 24th in the league in run defense. The Colts couldn’t make a tackle to save their lives. It’ll be a much different story Sunday, when San Diego faces the vicious Pittsburgh (12-4) defense. Want to run on them? Good luck.
Pittsburgh allowed just 80 yards per game on the ground this season. Their front seven, lead by AP Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison, is a throwback to the Steel Curtain days. Should Sproles be lucky enough to break into the secondary, he’ll be greeted by All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu.
Some people who bet on sports may rest their faith on the Chargers potent aerial attack, but the Steelers are even better against the pass (No. 1) then they are against the run (No. 2). Rivers is susceptible to mistakes when pressured and the Steelers know that. They’ll put heat on him all day.
What about the Steelers offense? Their running game leaves a lot to be desired. The passing game hasn’t been at its best either, with Ben Roethlisberger seemingly nursing a new injury every week. In the Chargers vs Steelers line, though, that won’t matter. Like the 2005 champs, the ’08 Steelers are so good defensively that they only have to be “decent” offensively to win. Case in point: their 11-10 victory over San Diego on Nov. 16. That’s three field goals, a safety, and no touchdowns, NFL betting fans.
STAN’S PICK: The Chargers had a nice run, but it ends Sunday. They leave sunny San Diego for the bitter cold of Pittsburgh and a sea of Terrible Towels. Bet online for the tougher, more experienced Steelers to grind out an ugly win.
For more NFL betting or analysis on the Chargers vs Steelers line, visit the betonline.com Sportsbook.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
