Chargers Game Preview vs. Steelers: Analysis, prediction, TV info

Now that the playoffs are a near impossibility for the Chargers, they'll have to motivate themselves with other goals. One that they can set for Sunday's game in Pittsburgh against the Steelers is logging their first win over a team with a winning record.

Chargers at Steelers -- Week 14

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh (grass, outdoors)

When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Spread: Steelers by 7

Forecast: Scattered thunderstorms with a temperature in the low 50s.

Records: Steelers (7-5, AFC North 2-2); Chargers (4-8, AFC West 3-2)

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Oct. 4, 2009: Steelers 38, Chargers 28; Jan. 11, 2009 (Divisional playoff game): Steelers 35, Chargers 24. Series record: The Steelers lead the all-time series 22-8.

What matters: Now that the Bolts have all but officially been eliminated from playoff contention, San Diego is looking for smaller accomplishments. The Chargers have not beaten a team with a winning record all season, and this is their last chance. The remaining three games on their schedule are against the Panthers (3-9), Jets (5-7) and Raiders (3-10).

The Steelers have dealt with a slew of injuries, but they have demonstrated an ability to overcome adversity and are looking to stay in the playoff picture.

Who matters: QB Philip Rivers has never missed a start in his career due to injury, a streak that could be endangered after this game. Here is the Chargers' projected starting O-line: RT Reggie Wells, RG Louis Vasquez, C Nick Hardwick, LG Rex Hadnot and LT Kevin Haslam. Wells was signed on Wednesday. Hadnot started the season as a utility backup. Haslam was signed off the practice squad on Nov. 24th, and the first time he was in a huddle with Rivers was last Sunday when he entered the game. There is additional trouble if San Diego suffers any more injuries on the O-line. Backups G-T Stephen Schilling and C Colin Baxter were signed on Tuesday and received minimal, if any, work with the first-team this week.

Key matchups: Chargers O-line vs. Steelers D-line: The Steelers have the top-rated defense (259.8 yards per game), but they have only racked up 25 sacks, which ranks 20th in the NFL. OLB James Harrison was slowed by a knee injury at the start of the season but has come on strong and has a sack in each of the last three games. Chargers D-line vs. Steelers O-line and QB Ben Roethlisberger: “Big Ben” will play after missing the last three games with injuries to his ribs and right shoulder. The Chargers defense should put Roethlisberger to the test with frequent blitzes through at least the first few series. RB Ryan Mathews vs. Steelers D-line: It doesn’t look good for Mathews, who has yet to rush for 100 yards or more this season. However, if the Steelers defense has a weakness, it’s against the run -- they're only ranked 5th (93.1 yard per game). San Diego will need to at least attempt a running game to protect Rivers with his questionable O-line. However, having a patchwork O-line will make it even more difficult to run the ball.

Injuries of note: San Diego -- Out: ILB Donald Butler (groin), RT Jeromey Clary (knee) and WR Eddie Royal (hamstring). Doubtful: LG Tyronne Green (hamstring). Questionable: LT Mike Harris (ankle). “In our experience questionable doesn’t play a lot,” said coach Norv Turner. Pittsburgh -- Out: T Mike Adams (ankle), CB Ike Taylor (ankle) and LB LaMarr Woodley (ankle). Questionable: QB Byron Leftwich (ribs). Probable: QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs).

Inside stuff: The Chargers have talked a lot about how difficult Roethlisberger is to tackle. FS Eric Weddle said you have to tackle Roethlisberger by the arms because he breaks free from tackles around the waist or lower. DC John Pagano agreed and seemed not to care that a high tackle could result in a penalty from striking the QB in the head.  “We just tell them to tackle [Roethlisberger] and to get him on the ground,” Pagano said. “There’s no specific of high, low or middle with him.”

Connections: This game features no players or coaches that have swapped teams.

Stat you should know: The Chargers have two playoff wins in Pittsburgh, but have never won a regular season game in the steel city (0-14).

Record watch: TE Antonio Gates (80) needs one touchdown catch to match WR Lance Alworth (81) for the franchise record. OLB Shaun Phillips has 68.0 career sacks, tied for second in team history with Gary “Big Hands” Johnson. With his next sack, Phillips will break the tie. Phillips leads the team this season with seven sacks, 13 pressures and nine QB hits.

Looking ahead: In Week 15, the Chargers will host the Panthers (3-9). The Steelers will travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys (6-6).

Prediction: Steelers 34, Chargers 13

Follow the Chargers and Dan McLellan on Twitter @CBSChargers and @sandiegosports.