NFL Week 10 Game Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Chargers
Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 p.m. PT)
Venue: SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, California
Broadcast: NBC / Peacock
Records: Steelers (5-3) | Chargers (6-3)
Opening Line: Chargers -3 | Total: 45.5 points
Team Overview
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh enters Week 10 looking to build off a hard-fought 27-20 victory over Indianapolis, which snapped a two-game skid. Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers remain defined by their grit and defensive mentality, but offensive inconsistency has been the season’s story.
- Offense: Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom third of the league in total yardage (averaging 302.7 yards per game) and sits 28th in rushing offense at 88.4 yards per contest. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to manage the offense efficiently, throwing for 1,736 yards and 10 touchdowns, but the lack of a consistent run game has forced the Steelers into one-dimensional stretches.
- Key contributors:
- George Pickens (34 receptions, 479 yards, 4 TDs) continues to serve as the primary deep threat.
- Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren have split backfield duties, combining for 627 rushing yards, though explosive plays have been scarce.
- Tight end Pat Freiermuth remains a reliable outlet in short-yardage situations.
- Injuries: Pittsburgh’s offensive line is short-handed with Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) out, and wide receiver Scotty Miller (finger) sidelined. Defensively, Cole Holcomb and Jabrill Peppers will miss this game.
Defensively, the Steelers have produced splash plays but remain vulnerable against the pass. They rank 30th overall in total defense and 32nd against the pass (273.5 yards allowed per game). Edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith remain the anchors, combining for 13 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers enter at 6-3 and continue to show the balance and explosiveness that make them an AFC contender under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
- Offense: Quarterback Justin Herbert has been sharp through nine games, throwing for 2,298 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions. His chemistry with Keenan Allen (57 receptions, 684 yards, 5 TDs) and Quentin Johnston (29 catches, 412 yards) fuels one of the NFL’s most efficient passing attacks.
- Rookie running back Audric Estime has been productive between the tackles, averaging 4.6 yards per carry, complementing Herbert’s play-action looks.
- Defense: Los Angeles ranks 6th in total defense, giving up only 18.4 points per game and 279.9 yards allowed on average. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s unit thrives on third-down efficiency and has held opponents to a 35% conversion rate.
- Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack have combined for 17 sacks, forming one of the league’s most disruptive edge duos.
- The secondary, led by Derwin James Jr., has limited opposing quarterbacks to a 76.2 passer rating — 3rd best in the NFL.
- Injury note: Rookie left tackle Joe Alt is out for the season, testing the team’s depth on Herbert’s blind side.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Steelers’ Offensive Line vs. Chargers’ Pass Rush
Pittsburgh’s front five faces one of its toughest challenges yet. The Chargers’ edge tandem of Bosa and Mack ranks top-5 in total pressures, and the Steelers have allowed 21 sacks through eight games. Rodgers’ quick release may be essential to offset Los Angeles’s aggressive rush schemes.
2. Justin Herbert vs. Steelers Secondary
Herbert’s efficiency against zone coverage will be tested. The Steelers have forced 10 interceptions this year but are giving up 7.9 yards per attempt — a league high. If Herbert gets time in the pocket, Los Angeles’s vertical routes could exploit those vulnerabilities.
3. Ground Control & Time of Possession
Pittsburgh’s offense has averaged just 22:46 in possession time per game — among the lowest in the league. Sustaining drives through Harris and Warren will be critical to keep Herbert off the field. Conversely, Estime’s north-south style could help Los Angeles maintain balance against a Steelers run defense that ranks 14th in yards allowed per carry (4.1).
4. Red Zone Execution
The Chargers rank 4th in red zone efficiency (67% TD rate), while Pittsburgh sits 25th (48%). Both teams’ performances inside the 20-yard line could determine overall momentum.
Statistical Snapshot
| Category | Steelers | Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 20.1 | 25.9 |
| Yards Per Game | 302.7 | 376.8 |
| Turnover Differential | +4 | +6 |
| 3rd Down Conversion | 38% | 43% |
| Sacks Per Game | 2.5 | 3.6 |
| Opponent Yards Per Play | 5.6 | 4.8 |
Historical Context
- The Steelers lead the all-time series 25-11.
- Their last meeting came on September 22, 2024, when Pittsburgh won 20-10 at Acrisure Stadium.
- The Chargers have not beaten the Steelers at SoFi Stadium since 2019.
Game Notes & Storylines
- Playoff Positioning: Both teams sit firmly in the AFC wild-card picture; this matchup could influence tiebreakers later in the season.
- Coaching Chess Match: Jim Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin, two of the league’s most respected motivators, bring contrasting philosophies — Harbaugh’s balanced offense vs. Tomlin’s defensive grind.
- Prime-Time Pressure: Both quarterbacks have historically performed well under the Sunday Night spotlight. Rodgers owns a 107.8 career rating in night games, while Herbert boasts 23 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions in primetime appearances.
In Summary
The Sunday Night Football spotlight shines on a classic AFC matchup between a veteran-led Steelers team searching for consistency and a Chargers squad looking to cement itself among the AFC’s elite. With both defenses capable of dictating tempo and two high-profile quarterbacks under center, expect a game defined by execution, protection, and red-zone precision inside the high-energy atmosphere of SoFi Stadium.