WHEN CHARGERS HAVE THE BALL
Key performers: QB Philip Rivers, RB Austin Ekeler, WR Keenan Allen, TE Antonio Gates, LT Russell Okung, C Mike Pouncey.
Who’s hot (or not): Rivers is coming off one of the most remarkable performances in league history. He set an NFL record when he completed his first 25 passes, eventually completing 28 of 29 for 259 yards and three touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals. His completion percentage of .966 was also a league record. The only pass he missed came when he was trying to avoid a sack. What’s been working: RB Melvin Gordon sprained his MCL last week in a victory against the Cardinals and is out for up to four weeks. That means Ekeler, a tryout free agent in 2017, will be the starter. Ekeler (5-9, 200) is averaging 5.8 yards per carry on 70 rushes for 409 yards and one TD. He replaced Gordon in Week 7 and ran 12 times for 42 yards and caught five passes for 26 yards. Game plan: Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who held that position with the Steelers from 2004-06, likely will try to outscheme his good friend, defensive coordinator Keith Butler, by implementing a few new wrinkles. But the Chargers’ basic plan centers on the rush philosophy of head coach Anthony Lynn, a former running back with the Broncos and 49ers.
Keep an eye on: Without Gordon, Rivers’ second-leading receiver, he will rely more on Allen, who leads the team with 69 catches, 848 yards and four TDs. But the Steelers, who have allowed just one completion longer than 43 yards, have to watch Tyrell Williams, who has six TDs of 50-plus yards in his past 44 games, and Mike Williams, who has nine catches of 20-plus yards and seven TDs.