On Sunday afternoon, the Detroit Lions (0-8) will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) in a cross-conference clash at Heinz Field. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. ET from Pittsburgh. Below, we look at the Lions vs. Steelers odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
Since narrowly beating the Vikings on Oct. 10, the Lions have struggled to stay competitive in their last three games.
They were crushed by the Bengals, Rams, and Eagles, but they are coming off a much-needed bye. Sitting at 0-8, the Lions are desperate for a win after struggling on both sides of the ball in the first eight weeks.
The Steelers barely beat the Bears in Week 9, winning 29-27 at home on Monday night.
They’ve now won four games in a row and sit at 5-3 after starting the year 1-3. They’ve been carried by their defense, which ranks eighth in points allowed and 14th in yards.
Lions at Steelers odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:20 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Lions +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Steelers -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lions +6.5 (-108) | Steelers -6.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -117 | U: -103)
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Lions at Steelers key injuries
Lions
- RB Jamaal Williams (thigh) out
Steelers
- WR Chase Claypool (toe) out
- QB Ben Roethlisberger (reserve/Covid-19) out
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Lions at Steelers odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Lions 21, Steelers 17
Money line
This is quietly a good opportunity for the Lions to earn their first win of the year. They’re fresh off a bye and the Steelers are on a short week after playing on Monday night.
Not to mention, the Steelers won’t have Claypool and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is already out for the year. With Big Ben being ruled out Saturday as well, this is a perfect spot for Detroit.
I like a small wager on the LIONS (+230) to pull off the upset on the road against a Steelers team that hasn’t played as well as its record suggests.
Against the spread
The Lions are 4-4 ATS and should probably already have two wins if not for last-second field goals made by the Vikings and Ravens. The Steelers are just 3-5 against the spread, covering just twice during their four-game winning streak.
I think the Lions will come out playing well after their bye and at the very least cover the 6.5-point spread against the Steelers. In the three games where the Steelers were favored by at least 5.5 points, they’re 0-3 ATS.
Bet the LIONS +6.5 (-108).
Over/Under
The Steelers’ offense is highly dependent on RB Najee Harris.
With Roethlisberger being ruled out, he will be featured even more. The Steelers don’t push the ball down the field or create very many big plays, nor do the Lions.
Considering the total has gone over a combined five times in 16 games between these two teams, I like the UNDER 40.5 (-103).
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