SNF bets: Chargers host Steelers for enticing AFC clash

Justin Herbert and the Chargers welcome Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers to SoFi Stadium to close out Sunday's action. Pittsburgh leads the AFC North at 5-3, while Los Angeles sits at 6-3 and is chasing the Broncos for the AFC West's top spot. Although it's not a divisional clash, this game should have playoff implications by the end of the season.

Let's get to our pick against the spread, three player props, and a pair of touchdown-scorer bets for Sunday Night Football.

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🏈 Pick: Chargers (-2.5)

The Chargers return to Los Angeles after a not-so-convincing win over the lowly Titans. Meanwhile, the Steelers are riding high after a seven-point win over the Colts, arguably one of the NFL's best teams. I think the market is overreacting slightly to both results, meaning there's a bit of value on the Chargers at home laying less than a field goal.

The Steelers' defense is allowing 405 yards per game, the third most in the league. They've been particularly vulnerable through the air, surrendering a league-worst 278.2 passing yards per contest. Even with standout tackle Joe Alt done for the season, the Chargers are well-equipped to exploit Pittsburgh's weakness.

Although Herbert may have less time to get the ball to his playmakers, he shouldn't struggle getting the job done Sunday night. Ladd McConkey is having a strong midseason run, and Oronde Gadsden's emergence at tight end has given Herbert another receiving threat. This could end up being a high-scoring game, and if that's the case, I'll side with the home team that has a far more explosive offense.

🏈 Bet: Over 253.5 passing yards

This total isn't overly high for Herbert, who can throw for 400 yards any given week. He surpassed this total in two of his previous four starts and hit 250 passing yards last week against the Titans. The Steelers' defense is easy to pass on, and Herbert should have a field day picking apart this porous unit.

🏈 Bet: Over 4.5 receptions

Gadsden has hauled in at least five catches in four straight contests and has clearly become one of Herbert's favorite targets. Given how frequently tight ends have tormented Pittsburgh this year, there's no reason to believe Herbert won't look Gadsden's way often.

🏈 Bet: Over 9.5 receiving yards

A trio of Chargers round out our props. Running back Kimani Vidal reached 10 receiving yards in three of his four games as a starter. With the Steelers solid against the run, the best way for L.A. to get the ball into Vidal's hands will be through short passes out of the backfield to neutralize Pittsburgh's pass rush.

NFL news editor Brenden Deeg will provide touchdown scorer props all season long.

🙌 Bet: Anytime TD (+135)

Getting a starting running back at +135 odds is a steal and should be an automatic bet. Warren had two scores in last week's win over the Colts and has 120 touches this year - by far the most on the Steelers. The Chargers have surrendered the fourth-most rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs this campaign.

🙌 Bet: Anytime TD (+200)

Johnston leads the Chargers in receiving touchdowns this season with six and has scored in two of his last three games. He's also second on the team in red-zone targets while playing over 78% of the offensive snaps. The Steelers' defense has been atrocious at covering wide receivers, allowing the most receptions and receiving yards to the position.

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