Steelers-Chargers: A Look Inside the Game

At 1-2, the margin for error is now razor thin for the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Back home, where they usually dominate, the Steelers face what is almost a must-win game against the San Diego Chargers.

Limas Sweed is all but benched.  Frank Summers, ineffective from the fullback position, is on injured reserve with a balky back. Shaun McDonald and Carey Davis are in for the Steelers.

Here's a look inside the Steelers' Week Four matchup with the Chargers:

Five Questions To Answer

1. Can the running game continue to build on its recent success?

2. Can the Steelers' secondary slow down Philip Rivers?

3. Is Shaun McDonald an upgrade over Limas Sweed?

4. Can the defense, particularly the linebackers, create pressure?

5. Can the offense finish more drives?

Four Fantasy Tips

1. If you haven't already, pick up Mike Wallace.

Wallace has proven to be one of Ben Roethlisberger's favorite targets, racking up his first 100+ yard receiving performance against the Bengals. Ben has showed increased confidence in him, particularly in key situations. He is fast developing into a breakout rookie.

2. Be careful with playing Philip Rivers.

Rivers is a great quarterback. He isn't even a bad fantasy option. But anyone who watched his playoff performance against the Steelers, not to mention his regular season showings, would tell you that he does not play well against Pittsburgh. The Steelers defense may be weak, but they will be able to key on Rivers and the passing game this week.

3. Don't Start Darren Sproles (or LaDainian Tomlinson).

Sproles and Tomlinson are also great players, but have been ineffective so far this season.  Sproles gained only 41 yards against the Dolphins and isn't likely to do better against the Steelers.  His value would primarily be as a returner, but that is another area where the Steelers are likely to keep him hemmed in.

4. Sleeper: Steelers Defense.

The Steelers defense has yet to play a full game, but this is probably a better matchup for them than Cincinnati. Right now, the Chargers offense is one dimensional, so the Steelers will be able to play their usual staunch run defense and key on quarterback Philip Rivers. The defense is also due for a big game and always play tough against San Diego.

Three Key Matchups

1. Willie Parker/Rashard Mendenhall/Mewelde Moore vs. Chargers Rush Defense

Willie Parker has turf toe, which could sideline him Sunday night. Rashard Mendenhall didn't play last week after a poor week of practice and preparation. If Parker can't go, Mendenhall best be ready. Mewelde Moore will likely be mixed in more often either way.

This group of running backs has talent, but so far they haven't put up too many good results. Sunday is their chance to be more effective. Miami's running game was quite effective last week against the Chargers, racking up 149 yards and one touchdown.

With the offensive line playing much better, the running backs must now shoulder the blame if the Steelers cannot move the football on the ground.

2. Steelers Pass Defense vs. Philip Rivers

This is, by far, the most important matchup of the game. Rivers is a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. The Steelers are usually one of the league's best defenses. Something will give on Sunday.

Rivers does not throw for a lot of touchdowns, but he does get a ton of passing yardage to set up the weak running game. The Steelers have to limit his opportunities and shut down Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson.

Expect to see more blitzes against San Diego after Miami did a good job of creating pressure last week. With Lawrence Timmons healthy, the Steelers will likely try to use him with James Harrison so that the Chargers cannot continually double team one linebacker.

3. Lamarr Woodley vs. the Chargers' Offensive Line

Woodley is about as close to ineffective as you can get after three weeks. He seems to be having a second season slump as a starter, struggling to make any plays in the passing game and unable to get pressure or get off blocks.

While Woodley's starting job is likely safe in the long term, he must start making plays if the defense hopes to be anything like last year's unit.

Woodley should have some space to operate with James Harrison drawing a double team on every play and Lawrence Timmons and James Farrior taking up the middle of the field.

How Woodley plays could be a determining factor in the final score. No kidding.

Two Players in the Spotlight

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Wallace

Wallace had his breakout game against the Bengals. Now everyone knows him and fantasy players are scrambling to pick him up before this weekend's action.

For Wallace, Limas Sweed's epic failures are an opportunity to step up into an increased role on offense. Ben Roethlisberger already targets Wallace in crucial situations and, so far, Wallace has been brilliant.

Wallace has great deep speed, something the Steelers have generally lacked for several years. He also has sure hands and excellent route running skills. He seems to be one of the draft's steals, but its a young season and Wallace still has a lot of proving to do.

San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers

Rivers surely will remember what happened the last time he played at Heinz Field. He was ineffective and battered by a tough Steelers defense.

Now, Rivers has a nice stable of receivers and will be playing a Steelers defense seemingly crippled by the loss of Troy Polamalu and several nicks to other stars. He has no excuse for not performing well after a stellar opening to the season.

Rivers does not do well with pressure, so he will have to prove that he can handle the Steelers pass rush if it finds a way to penetrate consistently. He will also have to overcome the team's lack of a consistent, effective rushing attack.

One Bold Prediction

Steelers 20, Chargers 16

Ben Roethlisberger and company turn in a couple of early touchdowns and then attack the Chargers with a strong rushing performance by Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore (assuming Parker is out). The Steelers play their best and most complete defensive game, complete with a now-rare Lamarr Woodley sack.

The Chargers put together a late rally but fall short on a late turnover/sack by Philip Rivers.