NFL Betting Preview

San Diego Chargers (9-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Sunday, 4:30PM Eastern 
 
Bookmaker.com betting line – Pittsburgh -6, 38 O/U

 
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host an unlikely opponent in the San Diego Chargers this Sunday to determine who plays in the AFC Title game. The Chargers became the first team win a division by trailing 3 games with 3 weeks to go when they overtook the Broncos to clinch the final Wildcard spot in week 17. San Diego backed up their late season surge last week with a convincing victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The Chargers look to shock the world again this weekend when bring their strong offense to battle with the best defense the NFL has seen in many years.  
 
Pittsburgh finished one game behind the Titans in terms of the best record in the AFC this season with a mark of 12-4. The Steelers closed out the season strong and look to be the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, we all know how crazy the playoffs are and it is a long time before we can stir up the Super Bowl talk. The Steelers won 6 of their last 7 games to close out the season including an 11-10 low scoring affair over the Chargers. The Pittsburgh defense will look to keep this game considerably low again when they unleash the NFL’s best defense against a strong Chargers offense. The Steelers defense amazingly ranks 1^st in 3 of the 4 major defensive categories and 2^nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. The Steelers defense is among the best to take the field in a long time holding teams to 13.9 points and a mind blowing 239 total yards on the season. This defensive unit will try and shut down the San Diego offense for the 2^nd time this season this Sunday. 
 
San Diego came out of nowhere to end the season and all of a sudden they are playing extremely well. However, they will face a big task in overcoming the Pittsburgh defense. QB Phillip Rivers has been outstanding this season throwing for over 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns. Rivers leads a San Diego team that is 2^nd in scoring offense averaging a stout 27.4 points per game. Chargers running back and superstar LaDainian Tomlinson has been battling a tendon injury in his groin and his status heading into this week is unclear. However, speedster Darren Sproles took over the job well last week with an amazing 320 all-purpose yards. Sproles single handedly defeated the Colts and will again attempt to be a big factor this weekend. This game will be a classic offense vs. defense showdown and it will be interesting to see which side of the ball prevails. 
 
What to watch for… 
Darren Sproles will be the spotlight to watch. The Chargers will have a very tough time moving the ball against the Steelers defense. However, a great way to beat good defenses is to make big plays. Sproles gives San Diego that opportunity with his elusive speed and I would keep an eye on the little guy to see if he is as effective as a week ago in Indianapolis. 
 
Pick – Under 38