Lions vs. Steelers: NFL preseason betting odds, preview, and pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to win their third straight game this preseason when they host the Detroit Lions on Saturday evening.

Lions looked improved in preseason opener

After trailing 13-3 at halftime to the Buffalo Bills in their first preseason game, Detroit rallied in the fourth quarter and took the lead, before losing on a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining. Rookie Penei Sewell looked shaky early, but improved immensely as the game progressed, and gives many Lions fans hope they will see better offensive line play this season.

Fellow rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown also impressed the Lions brass, and while he caught just two passes he looked like he picked up the playbook very quickly. They also got a surprise with the play of Craig Reynolds, who joined the team the day of the game and ran for 49 yards and a touchdown. With running back D’Andre Swift still dealing with a groin injury, Reynolds will get another chance to show what he’s capable of.

David Blough was miles ahead of Tim Boyle in the battle for backup quarterback, completing five of six attempts for 76 yards, while Boyle threw for just 38 yards on 15 attempts. Boyle was injured in the game as well, so the Lions signed Jordan Ta’amu on Tuesday to provide some additional depth. However, Blough will be thoroughly tested by a Steelers defense that will see some starters get playing time.

Steelers confirm Big Ben will play

With Pittsburgh being one of only two teams to already have two preseason games under their belt, it’s time for the starters to begin getting reps. Head coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will see snaps.

The important reps for quarterbacks will take place between Dwayne Haskins and Mason Rudolph, as the former impressed in their win over the Eagles and has performed very well in practice. He entered camp hoping to make the roster as a third-string quarterback, but now has a realistic shot at being the backup entering the season.

The Steelers also expect to see reps for linebacker Joe Schobert, acquired in a surprising trade with the Jaguars late last week. He will be the defensive signal caller when the regular season starts, and immediately improves their defense as they seek a Super Bowl run.

Lions and Steelers Trends

• The Lions are 0-5 in their last five games
• The Lions are 4-10 in their last 14 road games
• The Steelers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games
• The Over is 5-1 in Pittsburgh’s last six games
• The Over is 8-2 in the last 10 games between these two teams

Pittsburgh should dominate

This one should be a simple game to pick. Pittsburgh will see starters on the field for much longer than the Lions given they are in their third preseason game against the second for Detroit. They also have a pair of quarterbacks battling fiercely for the backup role, so you should expect to see them both playing quite well—and the coaches to call plenty of passing plays.

Detroit simply will not have the weapons to compete in this contest, much less cover the spread. Take Pittsburgh and lay the points.

Score Prediction: Pittsburgh 31, Detroit 13

NFL PRESEASON PICK: STEELERS -5.5