Steelers-Lions Preview and Prediction

Okay, I know everyone is saying to themselves that this game is pretty much lopsided, and that Detroit’s D will have trouble stopping the Ben-and-Mendenhall combo this Sunday.

I also know that everyone is saying that Matthew Stafford’s passes (if he plays) will be looked at as if they were some juicy steaks by the Steelers secondary.

Well for all of you out there who believe this…you are absolutely right.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) at Detroit Lions (1-3)

• Steelers-Lions Date: Sunday, October 11th
• Steelers-Lions Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM
• Steelers-Lions TV Network: CBS
• Steelers-Lions Announcers: Dick Enberg and Dan Fouts
• Steelers-Lions Point Spread: Steelers -10.5
• Steelers-Lions Over-Under: 44
• Steelers-Lions Spread Pick by Jerod: It is very tempting to pick the Lions here…very tempting. They are playing better football lately, and they are at home. And 10.5 points is a large spread against a team, Pittsburgh, that has not been dominant this year. Still, I’m going with the Steelers. I think we may have seen the birth of Rashard Mendenhall last night, which could signal the rebirth of a balanced offensive attack for the Steelers. Their defense isn’t as dominating without Troy Polamalu, but it’s good enough against a rookie QB or Daunte Culpepper, if Stafford can’t go. Steelers-Lions free pick: Steelers -10.5

Steelers-Lions Preview and Analysis

Detroit Lions

The Lions come into this game with a BIG statistical flaw. I’ll give you a hint, it involves “per” but is not TDs Per nor sacks per.

The one flaw they have in their game is on offense, and it is the fact that they one of the worst in the NFL when it comes to yards per play.

Yes, yards per play.

This stat is HUGE when it comes to playing the Steelers D. Why? Well this season, the Steelers are an above average team when it comes to giving up YPP (Yards Per Play), with an NFL rank of 10. But for the past five seasons, they always finished in the top 5.

The point being here is that Lions rookie QB Matt Stafford (or Daunte Culpepper), will have his hands full.

The Lions don’t really have a rushing game, so they won’t want to rush too much against the current “Steel Curtain.” Thus, they just might have to have Stafford throw 50+ passes.

Can you say trouble?

I mean, even though Troy Polamalu is still out, Pittsburgh’s secondary is never anything to mess with. Ever.

I can only picture it now: Stafford with his head down, walking off the field after a dissapointing blow-out loss this Sunday, and much of it will be due to his poor passer rating.

Sorry Matt, but you’re about to hit that rookie wall, and this wall is made of steel.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers continue to have the same injuries that have plagued them from last week. Will that affect them? No. Heck no, to be more precise.

As everyone knows by now, Willie Parker will be out and to take his place is some guy named Rashard. You know, the guy who ran for 160+ yards, and two touchdowns last week. Pittsburgh’s run game will have no problem against Detroit’s run D, even though they are playing pretty good on that side of the football right now. 

Even if the run game seems to lack, the Steelers can always go to their Plan B: Ben Roethlisberger.

Ben and the Steelers are currently ranked #3 this year in total passing yards, and this should come as no suprise. Big Ben is playing outstanding football. He only has 5 TDs on the season but has a rating of 98.1, and when Ben gets on a roll, he seems to pick apart any defense due to the improved protection he has been recieving from his O-Line. Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes seem to be getting into a groove as well, so offensively the Steelers are square.

The Steelers D should play fine. Troy Polamalu will be out again, but there is not much offensive firepower that will be thrown Pittsburgh’s way on Sunday. Literally, I don’t see Stafford putting on a show with Calvin Johnson in Detroit.

Steelers-Lions Prediction: Pittsburgh 24 | Detroit 10

Sorry Ford family, give it a couple years, a couple more high draft picks, and we might see you guys in Week 18.

Notable Steelers injuries:
-Steelers FS Troy Polamalu out
-Steelers HB Willie Parker out
-Steelers LB Andre Frazier (Shoulder, Questionable)
-Steelers WR Hines Ward (Not injury related; should start)

Tags: detroit lions, lions-steelers, NFL, nfl week 5, pittsburgh steelers

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