San Diego vs. Steelers: The matchups

One might look at the Chargers' horrible record (4-8) and be tempted to take this week's Steelers opponent lightly. But this Chargers team is so much better than their record, or statistics, indicate that it promises to be a long, tough battle at Heinz Field on Sunday. Indeed, the Chargers are 0-3 against the AFC North this season, but the losses were by a combined 11 points (with seven of that coming last week versus Cincinnati), and in their road games this season the Chargers are 2-4, but have only been outscored by a combined 8 points (114-122).

With all of that in mind, here are this week's statistical matchups:

San Diego Offense v. Steelers Defense
Average total yards per game: San Diego offense 26th (322.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (259.8)

Average net rushing yards per game: San Diego offense 26th (95.0) v. Steelers defense 5th (93.1)

Average net passing yards per game: San Diego offense 18th (227.1) v. Steelers defense 1st (166.7)

Average points per game: San Diego offense 19th (21.5) v. Steelers defense 6th (19.2)

Steelers Offense v. San Diego Defense
Average total yards per game: Steelers offense 20th (342.0) v. San Diego defense 9th (335.1)

Average net rushing yards per game: Steelers offense 24th (101.1) v. San Diego defense 6th (94.5)

Average net passing yards per game: Steelers offense 14th (240.9) v. San Diego defense 21st (240.6)

Average points per game: Steelers offense: 20th (21.2) v. San Diego defense 12th (21.4)

Special Teams
Average yards per punt return: San Diego 31st (6.1) v. Steelers 27th (6.9)

Average yards allowed per punt return: San Diego 14th (9.3) v. Steelers 24th (10.9)

Average yards per kick return: San Diego 14th (24.1) v. Steelers 9th (26.2)

Average yards allowed per kick return: San Diego 7th (21.6) v. Steelers 21st (25.2)

Net yardage punting average: San Diego 15th (41.6) v. Steelers 28th (37.2)

Opponent net yardage punting average: San Diego 26th (41.8) v. Steelers 18th (40.1)

Miscellaneous
Turnover differential: San Diego 18th (-1) v. Steelers 29th (-11)

Time of possession: San Diego 5th (31:31) v. Steelers 2nd (33:31)

Red Zone touchdown efficiency (touchdowns): San Diego 24th (47.4%) v. Steelers 19th (51.3%)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns): San Diego 29th (62.1%) v. Steelers 10th (50.0%)

Sacks allowed: San Diego 28th (36) v. Steelers 11th (25)

Some Individual Numbers
AFC Passer rating: Philip Rivers, 6th (85.1 QB rating, 277 Comp., 65.3% Comp. pct., 18 TDs, 15 INTs) v. Charlie Batch, unranked (2012 season: 64.9 QB rating, Comp., 64.3% Comp. pct., 1 TD, 3 INTs)

AFC Leading rushers: Ryan Mathews, 12th (620 yards, 4.0 yards per carry, 1 touchdown) v. Jonathan Dwyer, 13th (478 yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 1 touchdown)

AFC Leading receiver: Malcolm Floyd, 17th (51 catches, 765 yards, 15.0 per catch, 4 touchdowns) v. Heath Miller 14th (56 catches, 613 yards, 10.9 yards per catch, 7 touchdowns)

AFC Sack Leaders: Shaun Phillips, 10th (7.0) v. Jason Worilds, 20th (5.0)