Scouting the Chargers: Steelers’ opponent among top 6 of NFL in both offense, defense

SCOUTING THE CHARGERS

Last meeting

The Steelers beat the Chargers, 20-10, on Sept. 22, 2024, in Pittsburgh

Key matchup

Chargers DB Derwin James vs. Steelers tight ends corps

Steelers tight ends have accounted for six touchdowns over the team’s past four games. A four-time AP NFL first- or second-team All Pro, James gets deployed in myriad roles in the Los Angeles defense. Defending tight ends is often part of that usage.

Key injuries

The Steelers ruled starting left guard Isaac Seumalo out for Sunday’s matchup because of a pectoral injury. Receiver Scotty Miller (finger), inside linebacker Cole Holcomb (illness) and safety Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps) also were officially deemed out. The Chargers ruled tackle Bobby Hart (knee/ankle) out and said cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee) is doubtful.

Series record

Steelers lead 25-11

Series notes

The Chargers have won seven of 16 games when hosting the Steelers. The teams have split two games in Los Angeles, but the Steelers’ win was at a 27,000-seat soccer stadium (Dignity Health Sports Park) in 2019. … The Steelers had won 12 of 14 in the regular-season series between the teams between 1989 and a 2012 defeat against the then-San Diego Chargers in 2012. That began a pattern of alternating wins and losses over the six games since. … The Chargers have won two of three postseason meetings with the Steelers, including the 1994 AFC championship game in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won the most recent playoff matchup, in January 2009 en route to winning their most recent Super Bowl. … The teams’ only meeting at SoFi Stadium was a wild game that featured 24 fourth-quarter points by the Steelers, who took the lead with 3 minutes and 24 seconds left but lost 41-37 on Nov. 21, 2021. … The 24 regular-season victories the Steelers have against the Chargers are the most against any franchise that has not been a division rival.

Notable

The Chargers rank fifth in the NFL in total offense (374.6 yards per game) and sixth in total defense (286.8). They are third in passing defense (177.1 yards per game). … The Steelers have lost four of their past six appearances on “Sunday Night Football,” including two weeks ago at home against the Green Bay Packers. … This will mark four of five Chargers-Steelers games to be played on a Sunday night and five of six to be featured in primetime. … Counting the Indianapolis Colts’ Daniel Jones (2,404 yards) last week, the Steelers will face the NFL’s two passing yardage leaders in successive games. Justin Herbert of Los Angeles has 2,390 passing yards. … Herbert’s 18 touchdown passes are second in the NFL and one more than the Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers has. … Since Mike Tomlin became coach in 2007, the Steelers are 18-10 in road games played indoors, a .643 win percentage that is second-best in the league in that time. … The Steelers have won four consecutive road games against west-coast teams (two in Las Vegas, one in Seattle and one against the Los Angeles Rams). Never in their history have they had a five-game winning streak in the Pacific time zone.

Fantasy tip

Since Kimani Vidal took over as the Chargers’ featured back (because of injuries) in Week 6, only five NFL running backs have more carries. He’s averaging 82.5 yards from scrimmage in that time.