The Week 10 showdown between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers promises to be a gripping Sunday Night Football clash, spotlighting the question: Can Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert outsmart the relentless pass rush led by Steelers star T.J. Watt?
Entering Week 10 with a 6-3 record, the Chargers remain firmly in the playoff hunt in the tough AFC West. Every game now carries extra meaning, especially as they fight to stay ahead in a competitive division. Hosting the Steelers under the primetime lights adds to the stakes.
One of the most crucial matchups that could decide the game is the Chargers’ offensive line facing the Steelers’ powerful pass rushing trio, anchored by T.J. Watt, who was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. The Steelers have racked up 27 sacks this season, the third-most in the league, and have a pass rush win rate that ranks second overall.
The Chargers have struggled to keep Herbert clean, giving up 29 sacks in 2025, tied for fifth most in the NFL. Without star left tackle Joe Alt this season due to injury, the line is in flux, forcing the Chargers coaches to adjust protection schemes on the fly. Adding to the pressure, offensive tackle Mekhi Becton is questionable with a knee injury, which further complicates the Chargers’ ability to shield Herbert from the Steelers' aggressive defenders like Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith, alongside Watt.
Herbert is feeling the heat too, he’s faced pressure on 40.9% of his dropbacks this season, the highest rate among quarterbacks who have played all games this year. This relentless pressure could lead to hurried throws and impacting the passing game, giving the Steelers a strong chance to disrupt the Chargers’ offense.
While the pass rush is fearsome, the Steelers’ secondary hasn’t performed up to the high expectations. Pittsburgh currently allows 278.2 passing yards per game, the worst in the NFL. This creates a potential advantage for the Chargers, whose high-powered passing unit ranks sixth in the league, averaging over 250 yards per game.
The Steelers recently shifted their star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to safety in hopes of shoring up their defense, and it showed some positive effect. Still, outside corners Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. have struggled through much of the season, making the Chargers’ receivers like Keenan Allen key players expected to exploit those weaknesses.
Herbert has weapons in Allen, Ladd McConkey, and Quentin Johnston. McConkey, in particular, has seen his role grow, commanding a large share of targets recently and posting strong fantasy performances. This passing game capability, combined with the Steelers' weakened cornerback coverage, gives Herbert a chance to find openings despite the pass rush.
The Steelers compensate for a modest wide receiver group with an impressive and versatile tight end corps. Their four-man tight end group blends size, athleticism, and zone awareness to create tough matchups, especially near the goal line.
This tight end unit has already scored seven touchdowns in 2025, making them a significant threat in scoring zones. For the Chargers, linebackers like Daiyan Henley and safety Derwin James will have critical roles in containing this group. The Chargers’ defense must stay alert in tight coverage and red zone defense to prevent the Steelers from capitalizing here.
The outcome of Chargers vs. Steelers in Week 10 could hinge on whether Justin Herbert can avoid the fierce pass rush of T.J. Watt and company while capitalizing on a vulnerable Steelers secondary. The Chargers face a tough test up front without Joe Alt, which makes the protection of Herbert paramount.
On the flip side, the Steelers aim to leverage their dangerous tight ends and pass rush to disrupt Los Angeles’s rhythm. For Chargers fans, holding off Watt’s pressure and exploiting the Steelers’ defensive flaws will be the story to watch as this primetime AFC showdown unfolds.
When elite quarterbacks face relentless pass rushers, the game turns into a battle of brains and timing. At Bankroll U, our playmakers read those pressure points before kickoff, turning high-stakes matchups into smart, profitable plays.