Steelers (7-5) @ Home Against San Diego Chargers (4-8) Sunday, Dec. 9. 1:00 p.m.
To say the least, the Steelers have had a strange season this year. One thing we've learned is no game is a lock including cupcakes. Even though San Diego might appear to be another cupcake, Steelers fans are reminded we lost to both Oakland and Cleveland.
But there are reasons for Steeler fans to be a tad more optimistic this week. For one, Ben is probable for the game. That's damn good news. In addition, Polamalu will likely play too as well as WR Antonio Brown, T Willie Colon, WR's Sanders and Wallace. Polamalu needs one more interception to become the ninth Steelers' players to record 30 career interceptions.
There is some troubling news. LB Woodley, T Mike Adams and Corner Ike Taylor are not expected to play.
If stats mean anything this season, one stands out above all others. The Chargers are 0-14 all-time at Pittsburgh. In addition, Chargers coach Norv Turner is 0-6 at Pittsburgh. Both teams have not played each other since 2009. In that game, Ben threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Roethlisberger is 3-1 against the Chargers.
It does appear like the stars are lining up for the Steelers for this game. Moreover, a Steelers win could make that wild-card spot a reality. Roethlisberger's return certainly makes that outcome a much more probable one. Wild-card teams have won 3 out of the last 7 Super Bowls including the Steelers in 2006. It would certainly be awesome if the Steelers could duplicate that 2006 run for the Lombardi.
The Chargers have yet to beat a team with a winning record this year, and QB Philip Rivers has been struggling in the last four games.
While turnovers have been a major problem for the Steelers in the last several games, they still lead the league in fewest yards allowed. With this game, Steelers are hoping to keep their ninth opponent under 100 net yards this season.
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