Will the Steelers keep their preseason white waistcoat?

The last game of the preseason is coming up and it’s between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. Quite unspectacular, one might think, if there weren’t a few headlines that make this game a very interesting one.

For one thing, the Steelers’ battle at quarterback is in full flame, as it is still not at all certain which of the three (Rudolph, Pickett, Trubisky) will be preferred on the first day of the regular season. Here, rookie Pickett actually seems to be catching up game by game.

For the Lions, on the other hand, there is a huge sense of euphoria, fuelled by their participation in this year’s Hard Knocks format. Accordingly, a lot of eyes are on the franchise and the performances in the preseason so far could also be seen.

Although the Steelers are slightly better than Detroit with 2-0 wins, both teams have played at a similar level so far in the preseason, which makes it difficult to make a prediction for Steelers vs. Lions. We expect an evenly matched duel that could go either way.

Kickoff of the final NFL Preseason Game of 2022 is Sunday night at 10:30pm in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Statistics & current form

The Steelers are considered by many experts to be the big surprise package of the NFL. From a clearly negative record at the end to another winning season, everything seems possible for the team of head coach Mike Tomlin – even the play-offs.

In any case, there are plenty of unanswered questions. First and foremost, of course, the question of the starting quarterback. While Mitch Trubisky was officially the front-runner during the off-season, his start on game day one is no longer considered a sure thing.

Trubisky, Pickett or Rudolph?

He saw the fewest snaps of any quarterback in the preseason and was also the least convincing. He only put 123 total yards and one touchdown on the scoreboard, whereas Kenny Picket, for example, put up 171 yards and two touchdowns. With only seven fewer throwing attempts.

Mason Rudolph was also convincing. With 220 total yards, he threw more than the other two, but he was also on the field the most. However, none of the three could really pull away. This means that Sunday’s game will be of great importance.

That could mean two things. Either the three of them push themselves to incredible performances or the pressure is so great that some mistakes happen. Especially the young Pickett and Rudolph could stumble a bit here.

Running game virtually non-existent

Should the quarterbacks wobble, the chance to win against Detroit is falling precipitously, their running game has been a disaster of late. Against the Jaguars, they ended up with just 24 yards via the run, with 10 of those coming on just one run by quarterback Trubisky.

That’s underground and could cost them their heads against the Lions. That’s why we would rather avoid betting on Pittsburgh, especially since the odds on them in Steelers vs. Lions are not high either. Betting on the underdogs from Detroit is much more worthwhile.

Key Players:
QB: Mason Rudolph
RB: Jaylen Warren
WR: Deontae Johnson
TE: Pat Freiermuth
K: Nick Sciba

Detroit Lions – stats & current form

The Lions have little to lose this season. As one of the worst teams last season (3-13-1), the bottom line is that things can only get better. However, they are expanding their fan base tremendously through their participation in Hard Knocks and also through their charismatic coach Dan Campbell.

In addition, they have numerous exciting young talents in their roster, not least the German-American Amon-Ra St. Brown or No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson. The biggest hope in the squad, however, is running back D’Andre Swift, who is also only 23.

Will Swift, Brown or Goff play?

In their first preseason game against Atlanta, nearly all of the Lions’ stars saw minutes, including quarterback Jared Goff. In the second duel last weekend, almost all of them were spared.

So it is still a bit up in the air who exactly will start on Sunday. However, we expect a healthy mix of starters and backups. In addition, the second guard was also convincing in the 27:26 win over the Colts.

Unconcern as a big plus

The Lions have the big advantage that it’s about less for them. If we would construe this as a disadvantage in the Regular Season, it is definitely an advantage in the Preseason. Because the Steelers’ starters, for example, will avoid any contact that could lead to injury.

NBA top pick Chet Holmgren could serve as a cautionary tale. He injured himself so badly in an NBA ProAm game that his entire 2022/23 season is already over. The Lions’ backups, carefree and eager for their chance, will not have this caution.

That’s why betting on the Lions for Pittsburgh against Detroit is also a very good and value-bearing option. Even though they’re considered clear underdogs at first glance, at second glance an upset here is closer than many think.

Key Players:
QB: David Blough
RB: Justin Jackson
WR: Tom Kennedy
TE: Shane Zylstra
K: Austin Seibert

Pittsburgh Steelers – Detroit Lions Head-to-head comparison / H2H record

The only duel in the last four years actually ended in a 16-16 draw last season. However, it was more a game of misery against misery and not too much has changed on either side since then.

So we can expect a similarly balanced duel on Sunday, even if the Steelers will field one or two more starters – first and foremost their three possible quarterbacks. However, we have described in detail above why this is not necessarily an advantage.

Thus, the odds on the Lions are to be exploited for Pittsburgh vs. Detroit. Over-points could also be an option in this matchup, as both are considered high-scoring teams this preseason. Steelers games are averaging 44 total points, while Lions games are averaging 51.5.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Detroit Lions Tip

The Steelers are the bettors’ favourites. That is also understandable at first glance. However, it is not to be expected that they will play the Lions into the ground here. Should the pressure on the three quarterbacks even become too great, then this status will turn faster than Trubisky can throw an interception.

So we like to take a bit of a risk with our prediction here. For Steelers vs. Lions, a bet on Detroit is our recommendation, which on top of that offers an enormously high value with manageable risk.

As an alternative, we stick with over-points. The 44 total points average in Steelers games and the 51.5 in Lions games make the bookies’ 39.0 projected points look achievable. In the game Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions this forecast brings betting odds of 1.87.