How Chargers can win vs. Steelers in Week 11
Right now, the Steelers look like the most daunting competition for the Chargers this month. Pittsburgh has won three straight, and with the Bears and Lions on their schedule in the coming weeks, they could easily extended that streak to five. Taking down a red-hot team is going to require a lot of focus and everyone needs to execute their role precisely.
For the defense, that role needs to be focused on the run. The Steelers have rushed for over 100 yards in each of their three consecutive victories, with rookie running back Najee Harris leading the way. Given the current state of Ben Roethlisberger, the threat here really lies with Harris and the ground game almost exclusively. Not great news for the Chargers struggling run defense, but they should be in a much improved state a few weeks from now. It will be another test of the weakest link for LA, and the margin for error is slim.
The real trouble in this game is the Pittsburgh defense. Though they have regressed significantly since 2020, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick are still elite talents causing problems for opposing offenses. They've been lights out on third down, which is troubling considering LA often finds themselves in third-and-long situations due to timid playcalling. The key to putting up points on this stifling defense is stay flexible. Pittsburgh is skilled at generating pressures on the QB, so the Chargers need to come prepared with a balanced approach between the pass and run game.
Even if the Steelers are the toughest matchup of the month, the Chargers have a good shot at carving out a 3-0 run in Week 11 if they can stay sharp.