Divisional Round Preview San Diego @ Pittsburgh

What: A game that is sure to set a record for the least amount of money wagered in Vegas for a divisional playoff game. Yeah, there was a little controversy last time...
Who: The San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Chargers
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
When: 4:30 PM EST
What Channel: CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
Announcers' Talking Point of the Game: The Chargers were 4-8 and they are in the playoffs. Their comeback is so inspirational and amazing. And what about the Steelers. Big Ben can do no wrong! If Roethlisberger was Tim Tebow we would both be in the hospital with a more serious Tebowner than Gary Danielson.
Weather Forecast: Cloudy, 26 degrees
Regular Season Meeting: Steelers 11, San Diego 10

Analysis (I've finally given this section a name; very original, isn't it?): As I linked earlier, the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers played a tight game that Vegas bettors will never forget. Lost in all the hooplah of whether the garbage time pick six by Polamalu should or should not count was the fact that these two played a very good defensive game.

However, something is telling me that we won't be seeing the same thing again. Just a feeling, but I think the score is going to be slightly higher this time. Darren Sproles is going to be the Nissan Z Factor, er, x-factor, in this game (Sorry for that BCS reference, I just can't get over the idiocy of the "z factor"). He had a monster game last week against the Colts and while we won't be able to get near the production he got against the Colts defense against this Steelers defense, the Chargers are going to need him to make some big plays, especially seeing as the play of Ladainian Tomlinson is becoming more and more like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.

The Steelers may also end up relying on the rushing attack against the San Diego Chargers, especially with the uncertainty that Big Ben truly is 100% after being carted off on a stretcher two weeks ago. Lucky for them, when not injured, the Steeler running game has provided them with a much needed spark. Willie Parker leads the team in rushing and will need to be the engine that makes the offense go. Parker is the player to watch for in terms of the Steeler offense. If he can get going, watch for the Steelers to put up big numbers offensively. If not, then look for the offense to struggle as Big Ben may not be able to carry the Steelers to victory in this one.

While some may call him a douchebag, there is no denying the success that Phillip Rivers had had this year at QB in San Diego. He was literally snubbed of the Pro Bowl and he is seeking his revenge in a big way. The Chargers have won their last five games and may just be the hottest team in the playoffs. If Rivers plays well, this can be a big night for the Chargers. However, with Troy Polamalu in the Steeler secondary that could end up being unlikely.

Prediction: This one's actually a tough one for me. I have a feeling that this one is going to go down to the wire and while it won't be as low scoring as the first game, we will more than likely be the witnesses to a defensive struggle. I know that my picks are more often than not what the rest of the country is saying, but I'm going to go out on a limb on this one. Nate Kaeding will kick a game-winning to field goal as time expires to give the Chargers a 20-17 win over the Steelers.