As the 2025/26 NFL season approaches its midpoint, expert analyst Colin Cowherd has shared his top betting picks for Week 10, highlighting some intriguing matchups that could significantly impact playoff trajectories. Among his best bets are the Pittsburgh Steelers to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, the Detroit Lions to overcome the Washington Commanders, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to cover the spread against the New York Giants. These predictions come amid a week filled with intense competition and pivotal games that will test teams’ resilience and strategy.
One of the most talked-about contests of Week 9 was the clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, where the Chargers’ defense proved to be a formidable obstacle for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The game ended with the Chargers securing a 25-10 victory on Sunday night in Inglewood, California, marking their third consecutive win in dominant fashion. The Chargers’ defensive pressure was relentless, disrupting Rodgers’ rhythm and limiting his effectiveness throughout the game.
Rodgers candidly admitted after the loss that his performance was far from his best. He completed 16 of 31 passes for 161 yards, throwing one touchdown but also two interceptions. Additionally, he fumbled the ball in a critical moment during the first quarter, an error that led to a safety for the Chargers. Despite recovering the fumble in his own end zone, the mishap cost the Steelers valuable points early in the game. Rodgers also endured three sacks, underscoring the Chargers’ defensive dominance.
Reflecting on his struggles during the game, Rodgers expressed a strong desire to improve, emphasizing his accountability and commitment to better play in future matchups. “This was not my best performance,” he told ESPN. “I got to play better than this for us to win. Whatever it takes … if it’s better checks, if it’s better throws, whatever it is, I got to play better. I will. … We got to play better on offense, for sure. But this is part of the season. There’s ebbs and flows, there’s ups and downs, and we can’t ride the wave.” His words highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency over a grueling NFL season and underscored the Steelers’ need to address offensive shortcomings.
The game featured several key moments where Rodgers struggled to connect with his top receiver, DK Metcalf. Early in the contest, Rodgers had Metcalf open near the goal line but overthrew the pass. Later, in the second quarter, another overthrown pass intended for Metcalf was intercepted by Chargers safety RJ Mickens. These missed opportunities were costly, preventing the Steelers from generating momentum and closing the gap on the scoreboard.
The Chargers’ defensive prowess was personified by linebacker Khalil Mack, who repeatedly pressured Rodgers and was instrumental in forcing turnovers. Mack’s impact was evident, as he not only sacked Rodgers multiple times but also forced the crucial fumble in the first quarter. The Steelers’ offensive struggles continued into the second half; Rodgers completed just one pass in the entire third quarter, while the Chargers extended their lead to 15-3 early in the period. The Steelers had a chance to score but failed to convert on multiple plays, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Despite the difficult night, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin chose to focus on the collective responsibility of the offense rather than singling out Rodgers for criticism. When asked about his quarterback’s performance, Tomlin deferred, emphasizing that the entire offensive unit must elevate its play to compete effectively. This stance reflects a team-oriented approach and an understanding that football is a complex, collaborative sport where individual errors often stem from broader systemic issues.
Rodgers did manage to throw his lone touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter, connecting with receiver Roman Wilson. However, by then the game was largely out of reach, and the Chargers had already secured a comfortable lead. The loss was a setback for the Steelers, who currently hold a slim lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North division. With the Ravens regaining strength, especially with star quarterback Lamar Jackson returning to full health, the Steelers face increased pressure to improve their performance in upcoming games to maintain their division advantage.
Looking ahead, the Steelers acknowledge the urgency of playing better football as the season progresses into its back half. The team’s offensive inconsistencies highlight the challenges they must overcome if they hope to remain playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Chargers’ victory showcased their defensive capabilities and boosted their confidence as