The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves installed as touchdown favorites against the Detroit Lions today, amidst a quarterback competition that has only delivered offensive ineptitude thus far in their exhibition games. I am not convinced the Pittsburgh offense can sustain drives for 60 minutes to cover such a lofty number on Saturday.
Let's preview the game and dive into my Steelers vs. Lions predictions and NFL picks for Saturday's preseason Week 3 game.
Steelers vs Lions Prediction
- Steelers vs Lions pick: Lions +7 (Bet to +6.5)
My Steelers-Lions pick is on the Lions to cover the spread, with the best lines currently available at DraftKings according to our live NFL odds page.
Steelers vs Lions Odds
| Steelers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7 -108 | 35.5 -108o / -112u | -298 |
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7 -112 | 35.5 -108o / -112u | +240 |
- Steelers vs Lions point spread: Steelers -7 | Lions +7
- Steelers vs Lions total: Over/under 35.5
- Steelers vs Lions moneylines: Steelers -298 | Lions +240
The spread opened at Steelers -3 but moved to Steelers -6.5 early in the week and is all the way to Steelers -7 at some sportsbooks as of Saturday. The total moved down a couple of points to 34.5 from 36.5 and has now come back up to 35.5
Steelers vs Lions Preview
Mike Tomlin has already said publicly he is using this game as the dress rehearsal third preseason tilt like in years’ past, but also wants to evaluate many of the players who may be facing their last shot to make the team. This is telling because if Russell Wilson and the Steelers' top unit show any semblance of success to begin the game, I believe that is all we will see of them. Tomlin mentions he wants to see the team's practice successes translate to a game, and at the first sign of positive output, that will be the note he wants the team to end on heading into the regular season.
With that said, don’t be certain Wilson and Justin Fields will be able to deliver points. The Steelers duo has totaled 13 drives, with many of them coming against defensive players down the depth chart. On those 13 possessions, the Steelers offense punted eight times, turned the ball over on downs three times, and attempted two field goals. Only one of those field goals was made, thus, three points scored on 13 series featuring Wilson and Fields.
Last week, Wilson and Fields played the entire game, something I don’t believe is in store for Saturday afternoon. Their opponent, the Bills, led by Mitchell Trubisky and Ben DiNucci outgained Pittsburgh 245 to 219, en route to a 9-3 Bills victory. However, the blame for the offensive inefficiencies doesn’t entirely fall on the quarterback.
The Steelers under Fields in Week 1 of the preseason combined for 13 carries, gaining only 32 yards rushing when he was in the game. Last week, Fields did most of the damage on the ground for the team by himself. Outside of his 42 yards, the rushing attack struggled badly again, gaining just 64 yards on 19 rushes, marking the second consecutive game this team failed to win the line of scrimmage.
When the Lions have the ball, there is reason for optimism when Hendon Hooker and Nate Sudfeld are under center. Last week against the Chiefs, the two Lions’ quarterbacks combined for 342 passing yards on 42 attempts. Ben Johnson wasn’t afraid to let his backups push the ball down the field. Not only were they efficient, completing 61.9% of their passes, but they combined to hit on six explosive passes of 15 or more yards, including three 25+ yard gains.
How to Watch Steelers vs Lions: Start Time, Channel, Location
| Location: | Ford Field, Detroit, MI |
| Date: | Saturday, August 24, 2024 |
| Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV Channel/Streaming: | NFL Network |
Steelers vs. Lions will be broadcast live on NFL Network, as well as local television coverage. Steelers-Lions is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Ford Field in Detroit.
Use Quickslip to Bet Steelers vs. Lions
My Steelers vs Lions Prediction: Bet Detroit to Cover
Steelers vs Lions Best Bet
Lastly, the crop of receivers for the Lions fighting for positioning behind the starters simply have more juice than the other Steeler receivers, outside of George Pickens. The Steelers' top playmaker, Jaylen Warren, is injured and will not play in this game either. I find myself hard pressed to be more confident in the Pittsburgh offense in this spot of the two squads, even though their starters may play a chunk of the first half. I will gladly take the points with Detroit Saturday afternoon.
Try to grab a +7 number, playable up to -120, otherwise +6.5 at -110 is perfectly fine.
Steelers vs Lions Pick: Lions to Cover (+7 | Bet to +6.5)
Steelers vs Lions Betting Trends
- 75% of bets and 75% of the money are on the Lions to cover the spread.
- 65% of bets and 69% of the money are on the under.
All data via Action Network's public betting percentages.
Steelers vs Lions Weather
Steelers vs Lions will be played indoors at Ford Field in Detroit.
