The stage is set for a gripping head-to-head this Sunday night as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Los Angeles Chargers in what promises to be a battle of contrasting styles and playoff implications. Here’s your full guide to the Steelers vs Chargers clash — including key player stats, storylines, and everything you need to know for this SNF-worthy contest.
1. Context & Background
The Chargers and Steelers don’t meet often, but when they do, fireworks tend to follow. The all-time head-to-head shows Pittsburgh with an edge: the Steelers lead the series 25-11 vs Los Angeles.
Their most recent regular-season meeting was on September 22, 2024, when Pittsburgh beat L.A. 20-10.
This time, the game hits prime time as part of Sunday Night Football (SNF) — meaning extra spotlight and extra intensity.
2. Key Matchup: Steelers vs Chargers on SNF
With the game under the SNF banner, the stakes are higher. The Chargers come in as slight favorites, with the spread around three points in their favor.
The over/under is somewhere near 45 points, suggesting a moderately scored affair is expected.
The Steelers’ defense has been a struggle recently — they rank near the bottom in overall defensive efficiency. Conversely, the Chargers’ offense is ranked top 5 in the league in key categories.
3. Player Spotlight
Aaron Rodgers
For Pittsburgh, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is the centerpiece. He has thrown for roughly 1,692 yards this season so far (about 211.5 YPG) with 17 TDs. While those numbers are solid, his efficiency is lagging: Rodgers ranks 23rd in yards per attempt (7.0) and 35th in average air yards per attempt.
Justin Herbert (Chargers quarterback)
On the Charger side, their leader is quarterback Justin Herbert, who brings dynamic passing ability and a proclivity for big plays. He has compiled ~2,390 passing yards with 18 TDs this season.
Herbert is known for his deep-ball threat and ability to extend plays.
Khalil Mack
Defensively for the Steelers, veteran pass-rusher Khalil Mack remains a key disruptive force. In the 2024 meeting, Mack recorded a sack in the matchup versus the Chargers. His performance will be vital if Pittsburgh wants to disrupt the Chargers’ rhythm.
4. Match Player Stats: Recent Game Snapshot
Here’s a look at some key stats from the 2025 matchup (Nov 9) between the Steelers vs Chargers:
Pittsburgh Steelers (vs L.A.)
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Aaron Rodgers: 16/31 passing, 161 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 3 sacks (‐13 yards).
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Rushing: Jaylen Warren 14 carries 70 yards (5.0 avg)
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Receiving: Roman Wilson 2 catches for 35 yards and 1 TD
Los Angeles Chargers
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Justin Herbert: 20/33 passing, 220 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
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Rushing: Kimani Vidal 23 carries 91 yards, 1 TD
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Receiving: Ladd McConkey 4 catches for 107 yards and 1 TD
Additionally, team-stat context from past matchups: Pittsburgh vs L.A. historically shows Pittsburgh with 4,202 rushing yards on 1,090 attempts (3.9 Y/A) vs Chargers’ 2,931 yards on 825 attempts (3.6 Y/A).
5. Tactical Themes to Watch
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Steelers’ defense vs Chargers’ offense: Pittsburgh’s defense has struggled overall this season (ranked 30th in overall defense) , while the Chargers rank 5th on offense. The mismatch could be costly.
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Rodgers needs to avoid turnovers: With 2 INTs in the recent game and 3 sacks, Rodgers can’t afford to give the Chargers extra possessions.
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Pressure on Herbert: If Mack & co. can generate pressure and disrupt Herbert, the Steelers might steal a victory.
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Running game importance: With Vidal’s recent output and Pittsburgh’s moderate rushing stats, controlling the ground game could tilt the balance.
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Big plays: Both teams show contrasting strengths—Chargers look to strike quickly, Steelers will need to methodically grind drives.
6. Final Thoughts & Prediction
With the spread favoring the Chargers slightly and their recent form stronger, the expectation leans toward Los Angeles. However, Pittsburgh’s veteran leadership, grinder running game, and defensive desperation make them dangerous.
Prediction: Chargers win but it’s close — something like 27-20. Expect ~45 total points. Steelers cover the spread if they can limit Herbert’s impact and force turnovers; otherwise, Chargers pull away late.
7. Why This Game Matters
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It’s a high-visibility Sunday Night Football (SNF) slot, so momentum and public perception matter.
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A win here could provide a major boost in playoff qualification and seeding for both teams.
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For players like Rodgers, Herbert and Mack, performances in such marquee matchups often define their seasons.
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