ESPN AFC West Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Another great week of sound off. This week's question was who will win Sunday, the Chargers or the Steelers?

From your responses, the opinions are mixed. But there are many folks believing the Chargers will pull off the upset. There were many detailed reasons on both sides.

Thanks again for your participation. Here are some of your responses:

Matthew from Newport News: I like Pittsburgh in this game. A lot has been made about what the Chargers have done down the stretch but they beat 4 non-playoff teams and they historically match up well against the Colts so the win wasn't that surprising. Come on the Steelers won 6 of their last 7 to end the season. The Steelers will have Health Miller this time around and he will really open up the passing game to exploit San Diego's pass defense. He'll be big in the RedZone where Pittsburgh struggled in the first meeting. Secondly Pittsburgh's defense is very physical and the bye week helped rest them. They will be more than ready to show why they are the number 1 ranked defense. Turnovers will be they key in this game.

Danielle from Long Beach, CA: I think the Chargers will win. Right now, the Chargers defense is coming into its own and Darren Sproles is bringing a whole new dynamic to the Chargers offense. Philip Rivers is red hot and doing a good job not making mistakes with the exception of the interception in the end zone versus Indy. Antonio Gates proved he was healthy enough with a very good game and Rivers can always rely on Chambers. For the Steelers, their offense is going to have trouble if Ben Roethlisbeger is effected by the concussion and their offensive line can hold off the Chargers' defense. This will be a low-scoring affair with the Chargers beating the Steelers, 17-7.

Allan from Denver: Bolts will win this weekend, and here's why: for me, it all boils down to a couple of key facts: 1) Chargers are the hottest team in the league 2) Were it not for blown call (Denver) and a last second TD that EASILY could have had an oppposite result (Carolina), San Diego would be 10-6 and people would be thinking of them as legitimate contenders. Put #1 and #2 together and answer this: would YOU be discounting San Diego so signficantly if #1 and #2 had been the season ending result??

Steve: Does anyone remember Roethlisberger being removed from the field on a stretcher in week 17? I sure do. I have a ton of respect for Ben but if his line doesn't learn how to block, we may see Leftwich playing in the second half. I think the Steelers are running on empty after having the league's toughest schedule this season. I can envision Big Ben throwing a couple picks and getting sacked numerous times. Pitt's running game just isn't going to dominate enough to keep Big Ben out of harm and allow him to coast to a super bowl title like last time.

Steve from San Diego: Bill, I think SD takes this one from the Steelers in a cold game at Heinz Field. Earlier this year when we faced the Steelers, we played them close. Our defense did a good job of pressuring Big Ben and we kept them out of the endzone. I think with Rivera calling our defensive plays, our defense should do an even better job against them and hold them to a very low score. Bad weather always seems to find Heinz field on Sundays. I've seen so many sloppy games at that stadium over the last few seasons and this may be another one. At the end of the day, I think the chargers offense shines through. I think that the Steelers' pash rush will struggle if it snows and give Rivers more time to read the D and get the ball out to the receivers. San diego is a better team than they were when these teams met previously met and I predict that they will take this one on he road and advance to the AFC Championship game for a second consecutive year.Ideally at home against Baltimore. Chargers are 6 point dogs?? Take that to the bank. Bolts 24 Steelers 10

Brian from Montreal: With both teams committed to stopping the run, and both very capable of doing so, especially on 3rd and shorts, this game will likely turn into a field position war. The Chargers clearly have the edge punting wise, but the Steelers have an advantage placekicking. In the passing game, both QBs will attempt dink and dunk passes to their respective big targets (gates / chambers vs Miller / Ward). The colts did an excellent job of taking the screen pass away from the bolts last week, witness the amount of times Rivers chucked the ball at the feet, but they have two very able screen receivers and a better playbook that will unleash sproles and bennett in open space. Parker and mewelde moore are just not as talented open field runners, although Ward / Holmes are very slippery on the WR screeen and they will be more accustomed to their own soggy turf. No advantage. Defensively, Rivers is not turning over the ball anymore, and Roethlesberger is coming off a concussion. Although the Steelers have a mean pass rush, I gotta favour the bolts here. The X-Factor is Polamalu, he is just an incredible playmaker. If he makes his plays in the Bolts territory and gives the Steelers a short field, then they will take advantage. Otherwise, I think the bolts have the weapons to win a very close game.

San Diego: San Diego is vastly improved on both sides of the football. Rivera has been masterfull at streamlining the defense allowing players to play as opposed to think. LT is no longer expected to be running the ball and the necessary adjustments have been made along with for whatever reason vastly improved run blocking. The Steelers have not made incremental improvements since the last meeting that the Chargers have. Forget the weather it will not be a factor in Stealers favor. Bolt Daddy

San Diego SD: Big Ben's injury will be a bigger factor than LT not playing. The weather will have a huge part to play in this one. If the passing games are not affect by the weather it leans in the Chargers favor; their O-line and D have been playing great over the past 3 games. Pittsburg is playing good but is not playing as good as they were at the beginning of the season. I think the weather will be a factor, but the wind will be ok, Big Ben will look a little shaken, Pitt comes out strong then fades. 20-13 Chargers win with a late touchdown and Defense holds Pitt. The Chargers good play and hot streak continues back to SD against Baltimore.

Steve Blecha from SF, CA: No contest. This is the first REAL defense the Chargers have faced since Week 8. However, they won't be able to even keep it that close this time around.

nick Trujillo: This is going to be a great game. Steelers had a better record and won the first matchup by a deceivingly close margin - could have been much worse for the chargers as Steelers D dominated. However, the Chargers have vastly improved since the first meeting and now have momentum and confidence on their side. Despite playing in the AFC west, Chargers had virtually the same strength of schedule as Pitt, and their 8-8 record is also deceiving due to several close losses and lowest average margin of defeat in league. Rivers clearly had a better year than Big Ben, in virutally every way a quarterback is measured. They are both tough competitors. Sproles may be be hard for Steelers defenders to find in bad weather/field conditions. Our vertical passing game will probably be non existent due to the wind. Look for Gates to have a big game if his ankle holds up in the cold. I'm worried about our tackles against the Steelers OLBs... esp how they were just abused by Mathis and Freeney. Our defense is much improved since the last matchup, and the Steelers offense doesn't really scare me. Average running game, inconsistent passing game, and a below average offensive line. We'll get some turnovers this game unlike the first matchup. Our special teams are an X-factor that are far superior to Pitt. Chargers need to play most physical game of year to win. Pittsburgh are going to punch us in mouth, we need to be ready to punch them back. SD 20 - Pit 17

Kevin from San Diego: The overlooked variable in EVERYTHING I've read about this game is Roethlisberger's inconsistency this year, poor decision-making, and pension for holding on to the ball too long. People talk about how the Chargers D was gashed up by Manning last week, but I recall a couple of dropped INT's, and Manning nearly being sacked on several occasions. I think the factor this week will be the pass rush of the Chargers. If they can muster a defensive effort similar to last week's, they have a great chance of emerging victorious. If the D regresses, I can't see the Chargers O putting up more than 20 points against the 2008 Steel Curtain.

Matt Hubert from Erie, PA: Records are irrelevant in the playoffs, so it doesn?t matter that the Chargers are 9-8 and the Steelers are 12-4. Things that do matter? Defense (advantage Steelers, number one in the league). Peaking at the right time (advantage Chargers, winners of five in a row). Injuries (Call it even between Tomlinson?s groin and Roethlisberger?s head). This game has all the makings of a slugfest much like the 11-10 result from earlier this season. And in the past three seasons, the Super Bowl winner has not had a first round bye. While that bodes well for San Diego, no one has been more battle-tested this year than the Steelers. Their rigorous schedule should have them well-prepared for the grind of playoff football. Polamalu picks off Rivers late to seal the deal. My pick: Steelers 20, Chargers 13.

Adam from Columbus, OH: I correctly predicted the colts game, and for the right reasons, so here goes. The Chargers will again pull out a close one for three reasons: 1) Norv is doing a much better job mixing up his play-calling. If the Steelers D can anticipate what you are going to do, they can exploit it, but if Norv keeps them guessing, as he has the last 3 weeks, then those ultra-aggressive linebackers have to wait that extra second before committing to the run or a pass-rush. This will keep them from having as many big defensive plays. 2) If Ben is in there, we've seen how he has been affected by concussions in the past, and he tends to be slightly slower in his decision making. If he hesitates, our pass rush will finally be able to get to him. The Chargers D has done a much better job recently of taking advantage of opportunities, and if the rush gets to Big Ben, there will be turnover opportunities. And if Leftwich plays, his release is so long and slow, the effect should be the same. 3) Again, in a close game, special teams rules the day. Scifres and Sproles will do their thing, and PIT has no equivalent on their side. Again, this will be close, but I see the Chargers squeeking out another victory.

Jeremy from Mayodan: I think Pittsburgh wins for a few reasons.First, the weather.San Diego is traveling across the country to a frigid field.The cold in Pittsburgh is not where you want to play football.Second, even though San Diego has been playing well the last several weeks, they are facing the #1 defense in every category.Rivers is going to have James Harrison and Lamar Woodley in his face all night.Third, without LT, the Chargers will have to let Bennett who has had ball security issues and Sproles to carry the bulk of the load. That might be asking a little much.

Twin Falls, ID: I believe the Chargers will win if they can keep their TO differential on the plus side. Last week they almost gave the game to Indy. Their D is playing better and will get to Big Ben, if they remain aggressive. If their Offense can maintain the Ball they will win a close one, with or without LT. the chargers are a team to reckon with if they feel the pressure...Go Bolts

Will from San Diego: You Pick'Em, Chargers or Steelers. Bill, I actually think this pick'em was easier than last weeks, and I'm once again going with the Chargers. I have two key reasons for this pick. First, the Steelers offense line is atrocious and I don't expect them to move the ball very well against the improved Chargers defense. As a result, the Steelers will need to generate points from field position and turn-overs. Second, the Steelers won't be able to generate points from field position and turn-overs because of two key players: Phillip Rivers and Mike Scifrers. Rivers has done a great job at not taking too many risks, as he throws the ball away quite often instead of risking turnovers. His one interception against the Colts was a deep ball which was intercepted in the end zone. On the other hand, Mike Scifres and the special teams play for the Chargers has been great all year, which will once against eliminate the Steelers field position. I know that the Steelers defense is incredible, but then again, so is the Chargers offense. I fully believe the Chargers will be able to to orchestrate enough offense to pull this one out. Chargers 17 - Steelers 13

Enrique from San Diego, CA: The Chargers win this game and this is why "PHILIP RIVERS". Rivers will have a great game and will torch the secondary of the Steelers. The Charges defense will play alot better than their first meeting and will sack Big Ben many times. The Chargers are 0-13 in the regular season against the Steelers but are 2-0 in the playoffs against the Steelers. We are just rolling and clicking on all cylinders. The terrible towels will be used to wipe all the tears of the Steeler fans. GO BOLTS!!!!!!

Matt from Chicago: Hey Bill, I like the Chargers in this one, but I think you'll be able to look at one stat at the end of the game to see who wins, and that's turnovers. If Rivers protects the ball well (especially when guys are coming from his blindside) and doesn't turn the ball over, especially when backed up in their own territory, I think S.D wins. Even though he threw the pick, I like that Rivers didn't force much in the Indy game, and he'll have to play that way again.

Aaron Bebernitz: Bill, San Diego will win on Sunday. Not because of there defense or offense but the sensational tenasity of this team is unparallel to what Pittsburgh can bring. Even if Tomlinson has to sit on Sunday, they still have Sproles and Hester. If you remember from a year ago there was a fullback named Jacob Hester from LSU that ran all over the SEC and OSU in the national championship. These two backs can deliver the running game. Sproles has already proven his worth, but give Hester a chance and he will show his NFL worth!

Milhouse from Los Angeles, CA: First off, I love the Blog! You've done a great job all year keeping my informed, and am ecstatic that I still have reason to read it thanks to my Chargers! Keep up the great work! The Chargers will win this game because of the improved play of their offensive line and defense. Although not as flashy and name brand without the Merri-Man, the San Diego defense has been as effective as the Steeler defense over the passed few weeks in shutting down explosive offenses/QB's. The Charger offensive line has played better than the Steeler offensive line as well (see Rothlesberger concussion) in both run blocking, and pass protection. Additionally, look for Vince to break a couple good runs because of the over-aggressive Steeler-D. That'll get him going, keep his head in the game, and back in the mix for he long ball. Jacob Hester will have a good game receiving as well. Thanks Bill!

Colin from Los Angeles: I think the Chargers get the upset this weekend. The Steelers offensive line is porous and Roethlisberger will get hit. Also, with the weather looking less than pleasant this is going to turn into an ugly low scoring game where field position is key. I'll take Scifres against anybody to give the Chargers another big advantage.

Mark: The Charger defense has played with new heart although passing yards are still piling on them ,rushing yards are hard to come by.That being said look for the Chargers to again bend but not break causing confusion for Big Ben. Pittsburgh the # 1 defense in the league, will have a hard time with Darren Sproles if they over pursue. He is lightning quick in small spaces. That being said the recipe for a San Diego win is there. Chargers 24 - Steelers 17

Cleveland: San Diego is now officially the hottest team out there its been playoff time for 5 weeks straight there focused and determined they had new england where they wanted them last year in afc championship and let it get away. yeah they may be a little dinged up but they are hungrier than ever and that bolt defense dont care about weather they are coming for ben, rivers will use sprohles even better than he would lt and darren has the x factor super speed steeler nation you may not think so but you may be looking at a lightning storm at the same time as your expected snow storm

Ray from El Paso TX: The Steelers are going to win this game. The Chargers will not be able to move the ball on this tough Defense, and the Steelers will get a running game established.

JR: The Chargers are a VERY dangerous team right now and have three key intangibles working for them right now. First, like Philly, San Diego is playing with the house's money...a month ago no one (including me) expected them to be here...they have nothing to lose and this makes them dangerous. Second, these are the Chargers (from a talent and level of play standpoint) that everyone expected (pre-season) to go to the Super Bowl this year...but they are getting the benefit of being underestimated by everyone (especially the talking heads) because of their terrible start and supremely mediocre 8-8 regular season record and this also makes them dangerous. Finally, the Chargers are 2-0 in Pittsburg in January, so there will be no shortage of confidence in the Charger's locker room that they can win this game (and the absurd 6-point underdog status should provide plenty of additional motivation, not that it will be needed). This will be a close game, but Rivers is clearly a better quarterback than Rothleisberger and that will make the difference on Sunday.

Rob-Vista: The Chargers will win the game. They are playing much better then the last time they met the Steelers. The D is much better and more aggressive. Plus, they will want revenge for a last second loss just like they got versus Denver and Indy.