The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tough task in front of them this week. They’re going to fly out to the West Coast to play the Los Angeles Chargers in a primetime matchup. The Steelers just beat the Indianapolis Colts, so following that with a win against the Chargers would help their standing in the AFC. Although it’s a road game for Pittsburgh, former NFL linebacker Clay Matthews III believes Steelers fans are going to outnumber Chargers fans.
“I played in The Colosseum when I was with the Rams, and SoFi [Stadium] is just an extension of that,” Matthews said Thursday on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast. “These Pittsburgh fans are gonna travel. It’s gonna be like a home game for them. [Aaron Rodgers] going back to California… I like the Steelers with this one.”
Steelers fans are known for taking over opposing stadiums. They forced the Atlanta Falcons to use a silent count at home last year, and they showed up in droves against the Las Vegas Raiders. That strong showing of support has continued this year, too. There were tons of Steelers fans at MetLife Stadium in Week 1 when the team played the New York Jets.
While Matthews didn’t play for the Chargers, he suited up for the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. They’re the other team that calls SoFi Stadium home. Like Matthews says, he didn’t play in that venue, but the issue with fans has carried over. Both the Chargers and Rams have struggled with opposing fan bases taking over their home stadium.
Also, Steelers fans have traveled well to Los Angeles before. The team went on the road to play the Rams in 2023, and their fans dominated SoFi Stadium. Something similar could happen this week.
However, the Steelers’ last trip to Los Angeles to play the Chargers didn’t end so well. That game came in Week 11 of the 2021 season, and the Steelers lost 41-37. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert played a great game, throwing for 382 yards and three touchdowns, as well as rushing for 90 yards.
Therefore, the Steelers might need all the help they can get to win this week. The Chargers aren’t pushovers. Herbert is playing lights out, looking like one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Their defense has been solid, ranking sixth in the NFL. If Steelers fans can help make the Chargers uncomfortable, that could take the team over the top and help them leave with a victory.