Pittsburgh finally comes home to welcome the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL regular season. In a battle of the top two defenses through two weeks, this contest shapes up to be a doozy.

Coming into this match Pittsburgh sits at 24-11-0 in the all-time series. The Chargers, however, have snagged three of the last five. This includes an impressive 41-point performance back in 2021. Here, Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert tossed for three touchdowns and 382 yards on the Steeler defense.

This contest is the only prior time that Herbert has met the Steelers. Since then the defense has continued to build and become one of the strongest in the NFL.

With only 16 points allowed through two weeks, you would think the Steelers' defense trumps all in such a category. Well, think again. Los Angeles has allowed just 13 points in two weeks with their wins over the Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers. Sure the Panthers have struggled mightly and Oakland does not appear to be all too impressive this season either but 13 points is certainly impressive.

Such strong defensive numbers will challenge a struggling Steelers offense that has just one touchdown through two games. Quarterback Justin Fields admitted that the offense needs to be better if they want to remain in the win column as things move forward.

Fields and the optimistic offense will take on a defense with two monster outside linebackers in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Both Mack (rest) and Bosa(hip) were limited participants in a Wednesday practice. On Thursday, Mack practiced in full and Bosa remained limited. These two outside linebackers will pose a threat to a Steelers offensive line that continues to find themselves regardless of the limited practice. With that being said, let us take a look at some key matchups in Week 3.

Chargers OLBs vs. Steelers OTs

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While the Steelers appeared to have a chokehold most of the game against Denver, the offensive line was not necessarily pretty. During the contest, 10 penalties were assessed to the Steelers for a total of 79 yards. Most of the penalties came from the offensive line whether it be holding, illegal hands to the face, etc. and all were critical. In what looks to be a low-scoring Week 3 game vs. the Chargers, that can not happen.

The trio of Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr., and the occasional Broderick Jones will be getting a heavy dose of Bosa and Mack. These two will more than likely be the toughest foe this Steelers offensive line has faced thus far. With 14 tackles and 3.5 sacks between the two, they will be storming this somewhat incomplete Steelers line.

The rookie Fautanu could have a coming-out game if he can hold his own on the Bosa side of things. On the other end, if Moore can continue his solid pass protection, and Jones can stay out of foul trouble, they should be able to contain Mack for the most part.

T.J. Watt vs. Joe Alt

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In what might just be the most attractive matchup all week the Chargers’ rookie offensive linemen will look to make a statement against the veteran T.J. Watt.

The sheer stature of Alt is something to awe at. Alt stands at a towering 6-foot-8 and weighs in at 322 pounds. Alt was selected fifth overall in the most recent NFL Draft and is regarded by many as a cornerstone to build around.

While the Chargers may not have the flashiest names at skill positions on offense, they make up for it by having guys like Alt. Watt comes into the matchup with seven total tackles and two sacks through his first two games. Watt may have a few more if some plays were not called back in Week 1 against Atlanta.

Regardless, Watt has yet to see an offensive lineman this year like Alt. In Week 1 against the Raiders, Alt faced off with the impressive Maxx Crosby. Crosby was able to sneak past Alt for a sack and five total tackles. You would have to imagine a stat line like that for Watt helps propel the Steelers to a victory.

What it all means

For two teams that lead their respective divisions, this game could give reassurance for a special season ahead with a win.

The Chargers are currently tied with the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC West. Both teams sit 2-0 with the Raiders closely behind at 1-1 and the Broncos in last at 0-2. With a Week 4 matchup against the Chiefs, the Chargers would love a 3-0 start. The Chiefs face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night football which may be a closer game than some think after the Falcons’ most recent victory over Philadelphia. However, assuming the Chiefs remain undefeated this game could be a must-win for the Chargers division lead hopes.

For Pittsburgh, we all know the tale of the tape. After this week things get a little more daunting for the black and gold. With games against the Indianapolis Colts and Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys on the horizon, this could also be a must-win for the Steelers.

The AFC North shockingly seems to be in the hands of the Steelers though. As the Baltimore Ravens take on the Cowboys this weekend, they very easily could start 0-3. The same goes for the Cincinnati Bengals as they face a challenge on Monday Night Football with the Washington Commanders.

Assuming the Cleveland Browns take care of the New York Giants, they will sit 2-1, still behind a potential 3-0 Pittsburgh. While the schedule only gets tougher from here, the Steelers have a huge opportunity to take serious control of the AFC North with some help around the league this weekend.

Score prediction: Steelers 20, Chargers 17