Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) vs Detroit Lions (0-8)
Game Info: Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm (Heinz Field)
Betting Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers -9.5 -- Over/Under: 44 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Detroit Lions will travel to Heinz Field to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday afternoon in NFL action.
The Detroit Lions are still in search of their first win of the season as the Lions dropped to 0-8 on the year after being defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles, 44-6, on October 31st. Detroit struggled on both ends of the field against Philadelphia and could not fight back after a 3-yard TD run by the Eagles Boston Scott gave Philadelphia a 24-0 lead early in the 3rd quarter. Detroit was outgained by Philadelphia by a 350-228 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 1-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Tigers was TE T.J. Hockenson who had 10 receptions for 89 yards.
On the season, Detroit is averaging 16.8 ppg on 344.6 total yards per game (251.5 passing yds/g; 93.1 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Detroit is led by RB D’Andre Swift who has 289 rushing yards & 3 TD on 90 carries while also hauling in 47 receptions for 415 yards & 2 TD. In the backfield with Swift has been Jamaal Williams who has 312 rushing yards & 2 TD on 71 carries. QB Jared Goff has completed 66.9% of his passes for 1995 yards (258.9 passing yds/g) 8 TD, & 6 INT. The top receivers for the Lions have been T.J. Hockenson (48 rec, 448 yards, 2 TD), Kalif Raymond (26 rec, 334 yards, 2 TD), & Amon-Ra St. Brown (27 rec, 250 yards).
Defensively, Detroit is allowing their opponents to average 30.5 ppg on 393.4 total yards per game (258.9 passing yds/g; 134.5 rushing yds/g).
The Pittsburgh Steelers won their 4th straight game and improved to 5-3 on the season after defeating the Chicago Bears, 29-27, this past Monday night. Pittsburgh allowed Chicago to fight back and take the lead after entering the 4th quarter with a 20-6 lead, however, the Steelers were able to avoid the upset loss after Chris Boswell made a 40-yard game-winning FG with just :26 seconds left in the game. Pittsburgh was outgained by Chicago by a 414-280 margin, however, did win the turnover battle by a 2-1 margin in the victory. Leading the way for the Steelers was QB Ben Roethlisberger who completed 21 of 30 passes for 205 yards & 2 TD.
On the season, Pittsburgh is averaging 20.1 ppg on 336.6 total yards per game (248.3 passing yds/g; 88.4 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Pittsburgh has been led by RB Najee Harris who has 541 rushing yards & 4 TD on 150 carries while also hauling in 40 receptions for 289 yards & 2 TD. QB Ben Roethlisberger has completed 65.6% of his passes for 1986 yards, 10 TD, & 4 INT. The top receiving threats for the Steelers have been Diontae Johnson (45 rec, 530 yards, 3 TD), Chase Claypool (29 rec, 433 yards, TD), & Pat Freiermuth (27 rec, 245 yards, 4 TD).
Defensively, Pittsburgh is allowing their opponents to average 21.1 ppg on 370.4 total yards per game (260.6 passing yds/g; 109.8 rushing yds/g).
The Lions are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss, however, are just 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 November games. The Steelers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 November games, however, are just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Detroit will be well rested coming off their bye week, however, I just don’t think the Steelers matchup well with the Lions as the Steelers should have an advantage on both ends of the field. Jared Goff hasn’t shown much in being able to throw the ball down field this season and as the offensive line has had trouble giving him protection, I imagine T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh defense will be able to force a few TO’s. Pittsburgh offense isn’t the most high-scoring offense we have seen this season, however, they do have some solid weapons in Najee Harris & Diontae Johnson and as I think they will be able to put up some points against a Lions defense that recently allowed Philadelphia to rush for 5.1 yds/carry & 4 TD’s, I think Pittsburgh wins this one by double-digits and covers this spread. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Pittsburgh Steelers -9.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault

Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05