The Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers will cap off their respective preseason schedules with what figures to be a tightly-contested game this Sunday, Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. ET.
The Lions, who escaped Indianapolis with a narrow victory last week, are desperately trying to turn their franchise into a winning machine and will be taking every opportunity to do so. That includes the preseason, as Detroit is expected to play most of its starters for half of this bout.
On the other hand, the Steelers are in the thick of a quarterback battle between Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. Could this week’s performance determine who gets the starting job in Week 1 of the regular season?
Read on to find out more in our Detroit vs Pittsburgh best bets and predictions for preseason Week 3.
Lions vs Steelers Odds
According to the latest NFL odds, the Steelers are 4.5-point favorites over the Lions. Even though Detroit plans to play its starters for a good chunk of the game, Jared Goff will not take the field on Sunday, meaning the Lions will have to rely on below-average quarterback play.
Lions vs Steelers Implied Score
Steelers 21.75, Lions 17.25
Currently, the oddsmakers have this one pegged as a low-scoring contest going in favor of the Steelers. Goff’s absence is likely a major factor in the low total and Pittsburgh’s status as a 4.5-point favorite.
Lions vs Steelers Pick of the Day
Read more on this Lions vs Steelers bet below.
Lions vs Steelers Matchup
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has yet to name his Week 1 starter at quarterback, and he says that’s because the decision will come down to how his top signal-callers perform in this week’s practice and preseason finale.
It’s still hard to believe that Tomlin is seriously considering starting Pickett in Week 1, even though he’s looked quite impressive so far. The job is likely Trubisky’s to lose, but if he struggles this week and Pickett has another standout performance, perhaps it could truly be a toss-up.
As for the Lions, we should see a healthy dose of Tim Boyle and David Blough at quarterback with Goff on the bench. Each has played relatively well thus far, so Goff’s backup could be decided this week, as well.
Lions vs Steelers Prediction
Steelers 27, Lions 23
Both sides have motivation to win this game, but given the talent that will be on the field for both sides, it makes more sense to side with the Steelers. Their quarterbacks will be motivated to prove why they’re the best option, and there’s no better way to do that than by getting the ball in the end zone.
The Lions have still produced points this preseason — 25 per game, in fact — so they should have no problem scoring on a Steelers defense that’s given up an average of 20 each week.
In the end, though, the talent disparity will likely shine through, and Pittsburgh will come away with a win at home in their preseason finale.
Lions vs Steelers Bet Tips
The Lions want to win football games, but they could have a tough time doing so against this Steelers team in Week 3. Preseason betting trends only matter so much, but I wouldn’t want to be opposite Tomlin.
- Tomlin’s Steelers are 14-4 in preseason play dating back to the 2017 season.
- The Lions are 1-4 all-time under Dan Campbell in the preseason.
Lions vs Steelers Best Bets
Over 39 Total Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Both of these offenses have reliably produced points this preseason — the Lions more so than the Steelers, but the point still stands. Detroit has also been relatively weak on the defensive end thus far. Why, then, this total is set at 39 points, is beyond me.
Totals were down across the board last week, but context matters here. If there’s a matchup to decrease the total for in response to last week’s results, I don’t believe that this is the one.
Don’t hesitate to take the Over here with our NFL pick of the day.
