Steelers vs Chargers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 11/9/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
PITTSBURGH @ LA CHARGERS (LAC -2.5, 44.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
STEELERS @ CHARGERS 11/9/25
When Tuesday's trade deadline passed without the Pittsburgh Steelers adding a receiver, Aaron Rodgers was not at all alarmed. Call it the easy way, but as the Steelers get ready for Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Inglewood, California, the four-time NFL MVP with 520 career touchdown passes is going forward with the team in place.
Despite having the future Hall of Famer in charge, the Steelers (5-3) are 21st in passing offense with 200.9 yards per game. Rodgers' season total of 1,692 yards is fewer than that of the inconsistent Cam Ward (1,760) of the Tennessee Titans, and his top single-game performance of the season is only 249 yards.
DK Metcalf, who was acquired in the offseason, leads the team with a meager 29 receptions, 467 yards, and five touchdown catches. Pat Freiermuth, a tight end, had the second-most receiving yards (227). This sparked a lot of conjecture that Pittsburgh may have been looking for an upgrade at receiver before the deadline.
"There was probably more noise outside of the facility than maybe inside the facility," Rodgers stated.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a receiver, was added to the Steelers' practice squad. He and Rodgers played together for four seasons (2018–21) while they were both Green Bay Packers players. Valdes-Scantling averaged 17.3 yards per grab during that period and caught 13 of his 20 career touchdown passes.
Justin Herbert, who is second in the NFL with 2,390 passing yards, demonstrates how well the Chargers (6-3) get yards through the air. In one of his three games this season with 300 yards or more, Herbert passed for a career-high 420 yards in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts on October 19.
Additionally, four Chargers players—Keenan Allen (520), Quentin Johnston (460), Ladd McConkey (524), and Oronde Gadsden II (453)—have more than 450 receiving yards. Allen leads the squad in catches with 50.
The issue isn't finding targets. It is maintaining the health of offensive linemen. Rashawn Slater, the Chargers' standout left tackle, suffered a knee injury during training camp. In Sunday's 27–20 victory over the Titans, they lost their star right tackle Joe Alt for the season after moving him to the left side. During the game, tackle Bobby Hart (knee/ankle) left, and right guard Mekhi Becton (knee) sat out. Hart was ruled out, but Becton is scheduled to play against the Steelers.
Before the deadline on Tuesday, Los Angeles acquired versatile guard Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints. Penning claimed that after coming to town on Wednesday morning, he was given repetitions at both tackle positions. Los Angeles is in second place in the AFC West and has won two games in a row despite the problems.
Last weekend, Pittsburgh defeated the Colts 27–20 at home, ending a two-game losing streak. The defense forced five turnovers, recorded five sacks, and restricted Jonathan Taylor to a season-low 45 yards. On special teams, the Steelers grabbed a sixth turnover.
On Friday, Alex Highsmith (ankle) participated fully in practice and was not on the injury report. Four Steelers players were ruled out, including fellow linebacker Cole Holcomb due to sickness. The others are safety Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps), guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral), and receiver Scotty Miller (finger). Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (knee/hamstring) and rookie quarterback Will Howard (right hand) are listed as questionable.
The Chargers have listed cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee) as doubtful. Long snapper Josh Harris (chest), defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (groin), cornerbacks Deane Leonard (knee) and Benjamin St-Juste (groin), and wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith are the five players who are doubtful.
Pittsburgh defeated the Chargers 20–10 at home last season.
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JUSTIN HERBERT OVER 251.5 PASSING YARDS
Herbert ranks second in the NFL in passing yards (2,390) and passing yards per game (265.6). He’ll go up against the worst pass defense in the NFL tonight. Pittsburgh gives up 278.3 yards per game. Herbert has consistently gone Over this number, averaging 277.5 yards per game over his last 10 games. He’s gone Over this number in 7 of those 10. His per game average is even higher when the Chargers are at home this season. He’s averaging 286.2 yards per game at home.
