Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds & Game Pick (2021)

The one remaining winless team will head to Pittsburgh Sunday as the 0-8 Detroit Lions come in off their bye week with an upset on their mind. For the Steelers, a spot in the playoffs is now very much in reach, as they currently sit the #6 team in the AFC standings.

Let’s take a closer look.

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Details

• Opening Line: Steelers -9, O/U 42.5
• Current Line: Steelers -9, O/U 42.5
• Last meeting: October 29, 2017, Steelers 20, Lions 15

Overview

Before the wheels fell completely off before the break, losing 6-44 at home vs. the Eagles, first-year head coach Dan Campbell had this team competing on the way to covering two of their prior three games by an average of +8 points. The last time we saw them on the road was at the Rams, a game in which they actually led the yardage battle (+41), mostly behind the rushing attack of Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift who when humming, is a powerful 1-2 punch out of the backfield.

For the home Steelers, a Monday night win at home vs. the Bears has been overshadowed by a night in which the referees felt the need to largely control the show, throwing a staggering 17 flags as the game failed to get any real rhythm. Taking a 20-6 lead into the 4th quarter, the Steelers needed those flags and a late field goal from kicker Chris Boswell to secure the win.

While quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his new offense under Matt Canada seem to be improving, the lack of downfield passing continues to be a concern for Steeler Nation.

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Trends

• Under 5-1 in Lions L6 games
• Steelers 0-8 in L8 games as a favorite
• Steelers 0-4 ATS in L4 vs. teams with losing records

Bottom Line

Though it’s hard to believe given their winless record, this Lions team actually has continued to play hard week in and week out for coach Cambell, losing their games to Baltimore and Minnesota by a combined four points. Additionally, we have a team here in the Steelers that is known for most in the Mike Tomlin era playing down to their opponent.

With the added time to prepare and the short week for the Steelers, I like for the Lions to keep this one close and secure the cover in Pittsburgh.

Pick: Lions +9

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