It has been a rough season for the Detroit Lions, and it could get even harsher when they travel to Pittsburgh this week to face the Steelers. As heavy underdogs (+9.5) this weekend, the odds do not favor them getting their first win of the season on Sunday. But, of course, any team can win on any given Sunday.
The Steelers have won their last five meeting with the Lions dating back to 2001, but the Lions kept it close the last time they played in 2017 (20-15). Can they do it again this time, or maybe even win?
Lions Vs. Steelers Betting Odds
| Sportsbook | Point spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars | Steelers -8.5 (-110) Lions +8.5 (-110) |
Steelers -380 Lions +300 |
Over 42.5 (-110) Under 42.5 (-110) |
| FanDuel | Steelers -8.5 (-110) Lions +8.5 (-110) |
Steelers -370 Lions +295 |
Over 42.5 (-110) Under 42.5 (-110) |
| BetMGM | Steelers -8.5 (-110) Lions +8.5 (-110) |
Steelers -400 Lions +310 |
Over 42 (-110) Under 42 (-110) |
| DraftKings | Steelers -8 (-110) Lions +8 (-110) |
Steelers -335 Lions +260 |
Over 42.5 (-115) Under 42.5 (-105) |
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Detroit Lions (0-8 SU, 4-4 ATS)
The Lions have played hard this season. They have put forth some solid efforts against some good teams and have come close to winning only to fall short in the end, but there is a problem that comes with playing well but not well enough. It can become challenging for players to remain motivated and driven to play their best when the losses pile up.
QB Jared Goff has been doing his best with limited resources. He has been far from perfect, but he deserves much of the credit for what success the Lions have seen. But it is hard not to wonder where his head is after he threw the ball away on 4th-and-11 against the Eagles.
Detroit went on to lose 44-6 with easily their worst performance of the season on both sides of the ball.
If they are going to have a shot at keeping it close against the Steelers, they must forget about their last outing. They have played much better than they did against the Eagles in just about every other game. Getting Taylor Decker back on the offensive line will help, but that will mean shifting Penei Sewell back to right tackle, where he struggled immensely earlier this season.
Everyone essentially needs to play better than they have all season. Goff needs to make better decisions, the line needs to open some running lanes, and the running backs need to hit them. The defense needs to pressure Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and keep RB Najee Harris from getting on track.
None of it will be easy, but if the Lions can somehow figure out how to level up, they might have a chance Sunday.
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Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3 SU, 3-5 ATS)
Had the Lions been scheduled to play the Steelers a month ago, it would have been easier to make a case for Detroit stealing a win. The Pittsburgh offensive line was struggling, which kept the run game from getting on track. With the run game struggling, it was harder for Roethlisberger to get the passing game rolling.
It, of course, did not help matters that Big Ben is not quite the guy he used to be.
But as the season has rolled on, the offensive line has started to gel. The protection has gotten better, and the running lanes have begun to open. The offense is still not very explosive but is becoming more productive and capable. Against the Lions’ dreadful defense, it is not hard to imagine the Steelers’ offense taking another big step forward.
Detroit is giving up around 30 points a game. It would be surprising if Pittsburgh does not score at least that. As long as the Steelers defense brings its ‘A’ game (or even its ‘B’ or ‘C’ game), Detroit will struggle to score any points or even come close to their 16.8 points per game average.
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Betting Analysis
It has become harder and harder to make a case for the Lions to keep it competitive. With how they played their last time out, it is difficult to see them giving the Jaguars or Texans a game, let alone a team playing as well as the Steelers now are.
Pittsburgh will win this game and will probably cover the spread with ease.
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