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The Detroit Lions will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers to help kick off Week 10. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Lions-Steelers prediction and pick.
The Lions are the lone winless team in the NFL, but it certainly hasn't been because of a lack of effort. Head coach Dan Campbell's squad is clearly fighting on the field, but things just haven't been going their way. Three of Detroit's losses have come by one score, with two of them coming off of walk-off field goals by the opposing team. It's just the Lions' luck they now face a streaking Steelers team. Pittsburgh has won four straight games, all by a single score. This is the perfect opportunity to extend their winning streak and play themselves into contention in the AFC North. A victory here would secure second place in the division for Pittsburgh despite their abysmal start to the season.
For more insight on the Week 10 matchup between the Lions and Steelers, listen below:
Here's how the bookmakers have set the lines for the Lions-Steelers game.
NFL Odds: Lions-Steelers Odds
Detroit Lions: +8.5 (-118)
Pittsburgh Steelers: -8.5 (-104)
Over: 42.5 (-110)
Under 42.5 (-110)
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Why the Lions Could Cover The Spread
It's clear that Detroit is the less talented team here, but this spread may not be giving them enough credit. The Lions have faced a two-score spread like this one four times this season, and they've covered in three of those games. All of those covers were against better teams than the Steelers, as Detroit managed to pull it off against the likes of the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. Another cover here is definitely possible.
The Steelers started the season absolutely horribly on offense, and they still aren't exactly a dangerous offensive team. Pittsburgh has played in two overtime games in the last three weeks, so their offensive numbers are a little inflated. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is a very mediocre player, and the offensive line isn't great either. The Lions actually have a slightly above-average pass defense, so this isn't a slam dunk matchup for the Steelers. Detroit has also shown the ability to play well on defense, and there's a good chance that happens again here.
Why the Steelers Could Cover The Spread
This game definitely isn't the best matchup for Pittsburgh's offense, but it's far from the worst. The Lions have a major problem defending the run, something that the Steelers should easily exploit. Detroit ranks dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, while also ranking in the bottom half of the league in yards per carry allowed. Head coach Mike Tomlin has already shown willingness to lean on rookie running back Najee Harris, and he should continue to do so in this game.
While Detroit has been close to a win in several games, their mediocrity on offense cripples their chances each time. Quarterback Jared Goff has been the definition of mediocre, as he does just enough to keep the Lions alive, but not enough to actually score a win. Dan Campbell has leaned on the run game, but the Steelers are an above-average rushing defense. It's hard to see the Lions having any real success on offense here.
Final Lions-Steelers Prediction & Pick
This game should be closer than expected. Detroit has a great track record of hanging around with teams that are much better than them, so it's easy to see them losing by only one score against this overrated Steelers team.
FINAL LIONS-STEELERS PREDICTION & PICK: Detroit Lions: +8.5 (-118)
