AFC Playoff Picture Intensifies as Chargers Face Steelers; NBA Rematch, NHL Streaks, and NCAA Showdown Headline Sunday’s Sports Action

Sunday, November 9, 2025, presents a packed schedule across professional and collegiate sports, highlighted by a critical NFL matchup, an immediate NBA rematch, ongoing NHL narratives, and a significant college basketball clash. Football fans will turn their attention to Inglewood, California, where the Los Angeles Chargers host the Pittsburgh Steelers in a primetime Week 10 encounter with significant AFC playoff implications. Meanwhile, the NBA features a quick turnaround as the Boston Celtics seek revenge against the Orlando Magic, the NHL sees the surging Anaheim Ducks test the Winnipeg Jets, and college basketball offers a compelling non-conference battle between Washington and Baylor.

NFL: Steelers Challenge Resurgent Chargers on Sunday Night Football

The Los Angeles Chargers (6-3) appear to have stabilized their season following a challenging stretch that saw them drop three of four contests. Consecutive victories over the Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans have propelled them back into contention, and they now aim for their second three-game winning streak of the 2025 NFL season. The Week 10 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) at SoFi Stadium, scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football (NBC), carries substantial weight for both franchises.

For Los Angeles, a win would maintain their pursuit of the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos (8-2), keeping them just one game back. It would also create a 1.5-game cushion over the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4), who are on their bye week, solidifying the Chargers’ position in the crowded AFC playoff race. However, the task is formidable. The Pittsburgh Steelers arrive in Inglewood atop the AFC North, having demonstrated resilience throughout the season. Their recent 27-20 triumph over the Indianapolis Colts underscored their competitive edge and ability to force turnovers, a hallmark of their defense.

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The Chargers enter the game as 2.5-point favorites against the Steelers in the latest consensus NFL odds. The SportsLine Projection Model projects an offensive contest, with the Over 44.5 points (-113) hitting in 53% of its simulations. Conversely, SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall, who boasts a 21-12 record on his last 33 NFL against-the-spread picks, favors Pittsburgh to cover the spread, taking the Steelers +3 (-118). Marshall cited the efficiency of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers’ defensive prowess in generating turnovers against the Colts as key factors in his assessment.

Last season, the Chargers suffered a 20-10 road loss to Pittsburgh, a game where their ground attack was stifled, managing only 61 yards. Quarterback Justin Herbert also endured a season-low 125 passing yards before succumbing to a high-ankle sprain. This year, Herbert has shown improved form, particularly in last week’s win over Tennessee, where he recorded 250 passing yards—his fifth such performance this season—and threw multiple touchdown passes for the fourth consecutive game.

The Chargers’ offense has been potent, ranking sixth in the NFL in passing yards (250.6 yards per game) and fifth in total offense (374.6 yards per game). This contrasts sharply with the Steelers’ defensive statistics, which place them last in the league against the pass (278.3 yards allowed per game) and 30th in total defense (383.8 yards allowed per game). This statistical disparity suggests a potential aerial advantage for Los Angeles, though Pittsburgh’s opportunistic defense has historically compensated for yardage surrendered by generating critical turnovers and sacks. The matchup promises to be a strategic battle between the Chargers’ high-octane offense and the Steelers’ bend-but-don’t-break defensive philosophy.

NBA: Celtics Seek Redemption Against Magic in Quick Rematch

The NBA schedule on Sunday features seven contests, with a notable East Coast showdown between the Boston Celtics (4-6) and the Orlando Magic (4-5) at the Kia Center at 6 p.m. ET (NBA League Pass). This game marks an immediate rematch, as the Magic will attempt to secure their second home victory against the Celtics in three days, following a decisive 123-110 win on Friday.

The teams exhibit contrasting trajectories heading into Sunday’s game. Boston has struggled recently, losing three of its last four outings, suggesting an early-season dip for a team often expected to contend. Orlando, conversely, has shown improved form, winning three of its past four games, indicating a potential upward trend for the young Magic squad.

Friday’s contest saw the Magic exact a measure of revenge, not only for last season’s first-round playoff elimination by the Celtics in five games but also for current bragging rights. Orlando’s victory was propelled by a late 17-4 run in the fourth quarter. Forward Franz Wagner was a key contributor, matching his season high with a team-leading 27 points. Guard Jalen Suggs also made a significant impact, converting four 3-pointers as the Magic collectively shot an impressive 47.2% (17-for-36) from beyond the arc.

For Sunday’s rematch, the Magic are listed as 3.5-point favorites against the Celtics. The SportsLine Projection Model anticipates a lower-scoring affair than Friday’s game, with the Under 227.5 points (-109) hitting in nearly 68% of its simulations. SportsLine expert Matt Severance, who boasts a notable record of +784.5 on his last 37 NBA picks, predicts the Magic will complete the two-game sweep. Severance’s rationale suggests that the Celtics, after a challenging road trip and a recent loss, may be more focused on departing Orlando than mounting a comeback, potentially affecting their performance.

NHL: Surprising Ducks Host Slumping Jets in Honda Center Clash

The NHL’s eight-game slate on Sunday includes an intriguing inter-conference matchup between the Winnipeg Jets (9-5-0) and the surprising Anaheim Ducks (10-3-1) at the Honda Center at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). The Ducks have emerged as one of the early success stories of the season, currently riding an impressive six-game winning streak, which includes an overtime victory over the formidable Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. Their 10-3-1 record places them among the league’s top teams.

In stark contrast, the Winnipeg Jets arrive in Anaheim struggling on their current six-game road trip. After winning their first four road games of the season, the Jets have lost the initial two contests of this trip, scoring a combined total of only one goal in losses to the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. While their defense has remained relatively tight, allowing only five tallies in these two defeats, their offensive struggles are a significant concern.

The Ducks’ offense has been a primary catalyst for their winning streak, proving difficult to contain. They have produced at least four goals in each of their last five games, showcasing a balanced and effective attack. Furthermore, Anaheim has established a strong home ice advantage this campaign, boasting a 4-1-0 record at the Honda Center.

The Jets are listed as -143 favorites on the money line against the Ducks. However, the SportsLine Projection Model favors the home team, picking the Ducks at +120. The model’s simulations suggest that Anaheim’s success is likely to continue, predicting they will extend their overall winning streak to seven games in 58% of simulations. This reflects confidence in Anaheim’s current form and their ability to maintain offensive production against Winnipeg’s recently stifled attack.

College Basketball: Washington Visits Baylor in Non-Conference Test

Over 30 college basketball games are scheduled for Sunday, with the action concluding in Waco, Texas, where Baylor (1-0) hosts Washington (2-0) at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Foster Pavilion (ESPN). This early-season non-conference matchup provides an opportunity for both programs to test their rosters against quality opposition.

Baylor opened its season with a comfortable triumph over UT Rio Grande Valley, showcasing its offensive depth and athleticism. Senior guard Dan Skillings Jr. nearly recorded a double-double in the opener, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds, demonstrating his all-around impact. Sophomore guard Cameron Carr led the team with a game-high 28 points, highlighting his scoring potential.

Washington arrives in Waco undefeated, having started its campaign with victories over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Denver. Freshman forward Hannes Steinbach made an immediate impact, leading all players with 21 points in the Huskies’ 94-50 rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He followed that performance with a double-double against Denver on Thursday, scoring 13 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in the Huskies’ 84-70 triumph. Six other Washington players reached double digits in scoring against the Pioneers, including sophomore guard Wesley Yates III, who also contributed 13 points, underscoring the team’s balanced scoring attack.

Baylor is set as a 5.5-point favorite against Washington. The SportsLine Projection Model, however, leans towards a lower-scoring game, with the Under 156.5 points (-109) hitting in more than 58% of its simulations. Notably, neither of Washington’s first two games exceeded the projected total for Sunday’s contest, aligning with the model’s prediction for a defensive-minded battle or a game where offensive efficiency may not reach peak levels.

As Sunday’s events unfold, sports enthusiasts will have a diverse array of high-stakes contests to follow, from the gridiron’s playoff implications to the hardwood’s early-season narratives and the ice’s surprising streaks.

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