2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 11

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-4)

Sunday, November 21, 8:20PM ET

Man, these predictions are getting tougher as the season ages. Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers have shown potential this year, but have also slipped up at times and are dealing with issues that could keep them from pulling off the win in Week 11.

For the Steelers, their chances will take a serious hit if Ben Roethlisberger isn’t on the field. He already missed Week 10 while riding the COVID list, and it’s unclear if he’ll be available for the team’s trip to LA. If he can’t go, Mason Rudolph inspires little confidence against a solid Chargers secondary.

For the Chargers, it’s just been an up-and-down season. Many of their games have come down to the wire, and it’s hard to know which Justin Herbert will show up on Sunday. If they get the youngster’s best, they’ll light up a Steelers defense that could potentially be without both T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

So many ifs in this one. Seeing as the Steelers are dealing with COVID issues that could result in another start for Rudolph, I’m siding with the Chargers, who have a sometimes explosive offense but are exploitable against the run — congrats to fantasy owners with Najee Harris (like myself).

Prediction: Chargers win 26-24 | Spread: Chargers (-5)