Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game

(This story was updated to add new information.)

It appears the Jim Harbaugh era is going swimmingly early on. The Los Angeles Chargers , after starting the season 0-2 a year ago, have done the opposite to start 2024. The Chargers ' run game looks like one of the best in the NFL. JK Dobbins is playing like a true star, and even former first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston is looking halfway decent. What a turnaround for this team.

However, the celebration may get put on hold in Week 3. Although the Pittsburgh Steelers have not boasted a tremendous offense, their defense has been exactly what we've come to expect from this franchise: tough, stingy, and downright demoralizing. The Steelers have not looked like a massively impressive team, but at 2-0 with wins over the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos , it's hard to deny them the possibility of an AFC North title.

While both teams in this matchup have exceeded expectations early on, only one can emerge victorious. Here are our experts' predictions for this Week 3 showdown.

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Steelers vs. Chargers odds, moneyline, over/under

The Steelers are favorites to defeat the Chargers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds . Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code .

• Spread: Steelers (-1.5)
• Moneyline: Steelers (-125); Chargers (+105)
• Over/under: 35.5

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NFL Week 3 odds, predictions and picks

Jets vs. Patriots | Browns vs. Giants | Colts vs. Bears | Vikings vs. Texans | Saints vs. Eagles | Steelers vs. Chargers | Buccaneers vs. Broncos | Titans vs. Packers | Raiders vs. Panthers | Seahawks vs. Dolphins | Cardinals vs. Lions | Cowboys vs. Ravens | Rams vs. 49ers | Falcons vs. Chiefs | Bills vs. Jaguars | Bengals vs. Commanders

Lorenzo Reyes: Steelers 17, Chargers 16

This is a fascinating game, one of my favorites in the slate. I also wouldn’t bet here. There are far too many variables that give me pause. Is Justin Herbert hampered by injury? Can the Steelers sustain enough offense with their lack of production in the passing game? Can the Chargers run on a defense of Pittsburgh’s caliber? I’ll be watching with interest, but I wouldn’t put any action here.

Tyler Dragon: Chargers 20, Steelers 17

The Steelers are undefeated despite having the worst offense in the AFC. Mike Tomlin’s team is winning by complementary football (once again). However, the Chargers are a much-improved team with Jim Harbaugh at the helm, plus a healthy and rejuvenated J.K. Dobbins. T. J. Watt vs. rookie RT Joe Alt is an individual matchup to watch.

Richard Morin: Chargers 24, Steelers 14

The fighting Jim Harbaughs keep rolling, while the early win streak for the Steelers hits a halt.

Jordan Mendoza: Steelers 13, Chargers 10

A defensive slugfest is on the horizon in Pittsburgh. Don’t expect many touchdowns, but the Steelers have been content with letting its defense win games.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game