Oct 10, 2015 4 min read

Mike Tomlin has been to two Super Bowls, winning one, since becoming the Steelers’ head coach in 2007.

He’s led the Steelers to division titles and won nearly 64 percent of his games.

One thing he has yet to do, however, is lead his team to a victory in the state of California.

The Steelers are 0-3 in California under Tomlin, losing to the Oakland Raiders in 2012 and 2013 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2011.

And the Steelers haven’t won in California since 2005, a span of five games.

Their last victory in California? A 24-22 win at San Diego in 2005.

That will be a streak the Steelers will try to break Monday night in what could be their final trip to San Diego.

The Chargers are one of three teams – Oakland and St. Louis are the others – vying to move to Los Angeles.

That could be bad news for the Steelers. While they have struggled to beat other teams in California, they have found San Diego a little more to their liking. They are 7-6 all-time against the Chargers on the road and 22-7 overall.

Last week, Mike Vick struggled in his first game replacing Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. While he didn’t turn the ball over, he made too few plays and his timing was off with star wide receiver Antonio Brown.

There were a couple of times – including after an interception by Pittsburgh cornerback Ross Cockrell in the second quarter – that Brown was unable to come down with a pass from Vick. Brown admitted to struggling with the spin of the football from the left-handed Vick.

But the Steelers only had one day of practice to prepare for that game. This week, they’ve had five. That will make a difference.

So, too, will San Diego’s horrible run defense. The Chargers are allowing 4.9 yards per carry, dead last in the NFL.

Think the Steelers can take advantage of that with All-Pro Le’Veon Bell?

San Diego had 10 players not start or fail to finish their 30-27 victory last Sunday over Cleveland. They signed three offensive linemen to play last week. They finished the game with only two healthy wide receivers.

Some of those players will be back this week but they figure to be at less than full strength.

The Chargers are 3-point favorites based strictly on Roethlisberger not playing. If he were in the lineup, the Steelers would likely be 3-point favorites.

Pittsburgh also has not lost back-to-back games since Weeks 13 and 14 of 2013, a span of 22 games.

I’ll take the Steelers to win, 24-20.

The rested Patriots coming off a bye against a banged-up Cowboys squad.

Take New England, 37-20

Hard to believe the Jaguars are the underdog.

Take Jacksonville, 20-16

Seattle’s offensive line is terrible. The Bengals are 18-3-1 at home in past three seasons.

Take Cincinnati, 24-17

At home, Aaron Rodgers is like a straight flush – unbeatable.

Take Green Bay, 30-17

Redskins have been tough at home. So have the unbeaten Falcons.

Take Atlanta, 34-14

Denver’s defense is carrying the team despite Peyton Manning playing more like really high-voiced Peyton Manning from the TV commercials.

Take Denver, 24-17

The Lions have too much talent to be winless, but they have little luck.

Take Arizona, 26-21

The Ravens have big offensive issues. Cleveland will keep this close.

Take the Browns to cover in a 24-20 loss

The 49ers aren’t very good, as expected.

Take the Giants, 31-13

Kansas City will get it done at home against Jay Cutler the Bears.

Take Kansas City, 27-17

Buffalo’s pass defense has given up 10 TDs already, but they’ll get after rookie Marcus Mariota.

Take Buffalo, 24-16

This just looks like too many points for a struggling Philadelphia offense. Eagles should win at home, but …

Take New Orleans to cover in a 27-23 loss

Last week: 7-7 ATS; 10-4 straight up

Overall: 34-25-2 ATS; 43-18 straight up