The Steelers (8-6) and Lions (8-6) meet today in one of the biggest games of Week 16. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET from Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Steelers vs Lions will broadcast live on CBS.
The Lions are 7.5-point favorites on the spread (Lions -7.5; -115); the total is 52. The Lions are -400 moneyline favorites and the Steelers are +320 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Steelers vs Lions predictions.
Steelers vs Lions Predictions, Picks
- Steelers vs Lions pick: Lions 1st Quarter Spread -0.5 (-106)
My Steelers vs Lions best bet is the Lions to cover the first-quarter spread. Find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions Odds
| Steelers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -105 | 52 -110o / -110u | +320 |
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -115 | 52 -110o / -110u | -400 |
Steelers vs Lions Preview, Prediction
The Steelers lead the NFC North as Mike Tomlin has once again gotten his team to the eight-win mark. While Pittsburgh was not the team pegged to compete, it must be given credit for going 7-3 over its last 10 games and taking care of divisional foes.
However, a closer look shows that Pittsburgh has been a bit more lucky than good this season. To start, the Steelers' running game has been inconsistent as they rank 28th in yards per rush.
The struggles on the ground are set to continue against Detroit, with the Lions sitting in seventh in EPA per rush allowed. Then, you look at the passing game, where Aaron Rodgers has been efficient, but he does not push the ball down the field.
Well, Detroit is sixth in opponent completion percentage allowed, but 27th in yards per pass allowed. The lack of vertical passes only aids the Lions' secondary, which has been hurt by explosive pass plays.
Lastly, the most significant factor working in the Steelers' favor has been turnovers. They are fourth in turnover margin and third in takeaways per game, averaging 1.3. A turnover per game is unsustainable, and the Lions are first in giveaways per game.
If Pittsburgh is unable to swing momentum with turnovers, we will see their inefficiencies exposed.
The Lions are one of the most volatile teams in the NFL. One week, they look like Super Bowl contenders; the next, they struggle to get going against other playoff-caliber teams.
However, we have seen them at their best at Ford Field, where they are 5-2 and lead the NFL in scoring, averaging 33.7 points per home game. This offense thrives on their home turf, as the Lions rank second in yards per play, red-zone scoring rate, and touchdowns per game.
With no elements to contend with, the Steelers' defense will struggle. Pittsburgh is quietly 28th in yards allowed per game and 27th in opponent third-down conversion rate.
Steelers vs Lions Predictions, Spread Betting Analysis
Don't let the peripherals fool you; there is a big difference between the division-leading Steelers and the Lions, who are third in their division.
It will be apparent early as the Lions have been so comfortable operating offensively at home. Meanwhile, the Steelers have plenty of holes in their game on both sides of the ball.
Back Detroit to get off to another hot start in front of their home crowd and lead after the first 15 minutes.
Pick: Lions 1st Quarter Spread -0.5
Steelers vs Lions Betting Trends
Steelers vs Lions Viewing Info: Channel, Start Time, Streaming
| Location: | Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. |
| Date: | Sunday, Dec. 21 |
| Time: | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming Options: | CBS |
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