The Detroit Lions are in a tight spot, but playoff hopes are still alive.
This week they take on an old friend—Aaron Rodgers and the 8-6 Pittsburgh Steelers. Luckily, the Lions will play in front of that loud, rowdy Ford Field home crowd.
On Pride of Detroit, we’ve got Erik Schlitt breaking down Pittsburgh’ offensive and defensive schemes, a preview with our SB Nation counterpart Behind the Steel Curtain from Ryan Mathews, and a look at what Lions coordinators had to say ahead of the matchup from Jeremy Reisman.
Once you’re done with your assigned reading, here are some Week 16 picks, predictions, and thoughts from NFL analysts and writers.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: Lions 33, Steelers 27
“This is a big game for both in their playoff quest. The Lions lost last week, while the Steelers are coming off a Monday night win over the Dolphins. The Steelers defense played well in that one, but this is a big step up in terms of matching offensive firepower. Both teams will score, but the Lions will get more.”
Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Lions 34, Steelers 29
“The Lions are still in the NFC playoff hunt, but they’ll have to knock off an old foe in Aaron Rodgers, who has kept the Steelers in the AFC North mix. The Lions have not beat the Steelers since a 19-16 victory on Nov. 26, 1998 – the “Coin Flip” game with Jerome Bettis. Detroit changes that with a strong running game led by Jahmyr Gibbs.”
Pro Football Talks’ Mike Florio: Lions 29, Steelers 21, and Chris Simms: Lions 34, Steelers 21
“The Lions’ backs are against the wall, while the Steelers can lose the next two and still have the division come down to Week 18 vs. the Ravens.”
All five NFL.com analysts polled picked the Lions to win. Dan Parr: Lions 33, Steelers 21
“I don’t like this matchup for the Steelers, assuming the Lions’ pass rush comes to play. The explosiveness disparity seems about as large as it gets for two teams in playoff contention. … The Steelers just don’t have the same juice. If Detroit can get after Rodgers and control the clock on offense, it will relieve the stress on the Lions’ injury-plagued secondary, setting up a comfortable victory for a team clinging to playoff hopes.”
All six members of the USA Today sports staff who were asked picked Detroit to win.
“The Lions offense is as good as any, and it’s hard to imagine Pittsburgh being able to keep up with it given how the defense is so shaky.” — Jordan Mendonza
“The Lions have to win out to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. I don’t expect Detroit to lose at home.” — Tyler Dragon
“Detroit was embarrassed by Los Angeles in Week 15. You think Dan Campbell is going to let that slide? I don’t think so. The Lions might genuinely bite some kneecaps against old man Rodgers.” — Jon Hoefling
Finally, of the 11 experts who were polled at ESPN, all but one think the Lions have this in the bag.
And onto the rest of your notes.
- We absolutely love this energy.
- A Detroit native will perform at halftime on Sunday:
- Former Lions and Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch joined FOX 2 to give his thoughts on the upcoming matchup.
- Barry Sanders is getting involved with men’s health policy.
- Heads up for folks heading to Minnesota for the Christmas Day game:
- Speaking of the Christmas game, not everyone is thrilled about it.
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