Sunday Night Showdown

On Sunday, October 4th the San Diego Chargers (2-1) will battle the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2). Historically the Steelers own a 13-0 home field advantage against the Chargers. Well like all good things this record will come to an end for the Steelers on Sunday. Charger QB Phillip Rivers is primed and ready to carve up the weak Steelers secondary, which gives up over 200 yards a game. Running on Pittsburghs stingy defense will not be easy, as they only give up 76 yards on the ground. Charger running back Ladainian Tomlinson, who has been sidelined for two weeks with a bum ankle; should help out if he does decide to play. Rookie Chargers guard Louis Vasquez will play, despite sitting out the last two games with a sprained knee. Steelers running back Willie Parker is listed as probable with a turf toe injury. This should be a marquee game for both teams and one you should be watching. NBC will be airing the game after all the theatrics at 5:30 pacific time.

Lou's Week 4 Pro Picks

After a lackluster 11 for 16 correct picks last week, I’m going head to head with San Diego Sports Junkies affiliate Michael Maciejewski.*

Power Picks
These 3 teams play tough opponents, but are a lock to win this week.

Indianapolis over Seattle-

(Mike) The Colts have a great offense and there is not much to like about the Seahawks, but Jim Mora Jr. has got this team playing well. I see the Colts offense being too much for the ‘Hawks, but a close one possession game is a strong possibility.

(Lou) Overcoming injuries is the key for both teams if they plan to win this game. The Colt’s banged up defense against Seattle’s backup quarterback and bruised up offensive line promises to be a nail biter. The Seahawks have only allowed 526 passing yards so far (7th in the league), but I believe they will be overwhelmed by the Colt’s aerial attack.

Cincinnati over Cleveland –

(Mike) The Browns are bad. They maybe the worst team in the league. Their defense has allowed the most points in the NFL while the offense has scored the second fewest (behind St. Louis). So I expect the Bengals to win this one by at least two touchdowns.

(Lou) C’mon, Cinci beat the Steelers and the Packers and should have beaten the Broncos. With RB Jamal Lewis and K Phil Dawson probably sidelined for another game, the Brownies don’t have a chance.

Chicago over Detroit-

(Mike) The Lions have got heart. They also have a strong will. And they have the best player in this game, Calvin Johnson. What they don’t have is enough talent around him to win this game. Chicago should be able to score against a team that allows 28.7 points a game. I see this as a close game and expect both the Bears’ passing and running game to finally be in sync as they win this game against the Lions. Sorry Detroit, the streak ends at 1.

(Lou) Not only has Chicago’s D-line already accumulated 6 sacks this season, but they are coached by Lion’s ex-head coach, Rod Marinelli. I expect the Bear’s D to wreck havoc against Matt Stafford and game-time decision, Kevin Smith.

Game Day Gambles
These 3 teams may struggle, but will get the W.

San Diego over Pittsburgh -

(Mike) As one of the two teams that the Chargers have recently struggled against (the other being New England), there has never been a better time to beat the Steelers. The running game hasn’t come together yet and the defense has one turnover all year. And that comes from safety Troy Polamalu, who probably won’t play. The Bolts need to convert in the red zone and I see them doing it here.

(Lou) Rivers is passing a league leading 330 yards per game. Vincent Jackson is ranked 2nd overall in yards per game and Gates is 3rd among tight ends. San Diego has the weapons to overcome and overpower the Steelers Sunday night.

Tennessee vs. Jacksonville-

(Mike) I know the Titans come in with a worse record. And I know that the Jaguars beat a “good” Texans team. The true is the Titans have had a difficult schedule and have hung in there in each one. The Jags on the other hand have played horribly and accumulated most of their offensive statistics over a Texans team that can’t tackle anyone.

(Lou) This is a close one, but I believe Mojo’s magic potion will have this Titans team seeing stars. Jones-Drew is averaging just under 5 yards a carry and gaining a minimum of 4 catches per game. The Titan’s D may be ranked 2nd, but they haven’t faced a running back ranked higher than 24th. Also, WR Mike Sims-Walker is looking like a stud with 6 receptions in each of the last two weeks, after none in Week 1.

New Orleans vs. NYJ –

(Mike) New York Jets over New Orleans- Great defense vs. great offense. I’m going to always take the defense. Plus, Sanchez does just enough to pull out a victory.

(Lou) The Saints are putting up a league leading 40 points per game. They also are ranked 5th against the rush. An awesome match-up between two unbeaten teams, but I think Saints do just enough to win this.

The Rest

(Mike) Baltimore vs. New England (Lou)
(Mike) Buffalo vs. Miami (Lou)
Houston over Oakland
Washington over Tampa Bay
San Francisco over St. Louis
Dallas over Denver
Green Bay over Minnesota
NYG over Kansas City

*Mike is a pick ‘em participant who has correctly picked the winners of over 330 football games in the past two years.

Lightning Strikes the Dolphins

On Sunday September 27th, in the Chargers 2nd home game they defeated the Miami Dolphins 23-13. QB Phillip Rivers passed for 303 yards and completed 54% of his passes. Rivers had no interceptions and one rushing touchdown. Vincent Jackson put in another fine performance as the Charger's leading receiver, hauling in 5 passes for 120 yards. Nate Kaeding connected on 3/4 field goal attempts. Chargers linebacker Kevin Burnett had a great game with 9 tackles, including a hard hit that forced QB Chad "Pretty Boy" Pennington out during the third quarter with a shoulder injury. Pennington will have his shoulder examined Monday, the extent of his injury is unknown. Miami did manage to stop the Bolts on five red zone opportunities and keep the game close, but San Diego showed their heart and scored when it counted. Chargers Safety Eric Weddle put the cherry on top of a sure win with a fourth quarter interception that he took 31 yards for a touchdown. Miami's lone touchdown came at 2:51 in the fourth quarter on a 14-yard run by Ricky "Sticky Green" Williams, who is known more for lightning up joints than highlight reels. Offensively and defensively the Chargers stepped it up and improved their record to 2-1. Next up, off to Pittsburgh for a showdown with the hated Steelers.