Steelers vs. Lions Predictions | NFL Picks Today, Best Bets

NFL Preseason Week 3 is tomorrow, and we have a solid matchup between two teams looking to make noise in their respective conferences. SportsGrid previews.

Here are our best bets for the action and players you need to watch for on both sidelines. 

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Where to Watch Steelers vs. Lions

• Location: Ford Field, Detroit
• Time: 1:00 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: NFL Network
• Spread: Steelers -6.5 | Moneyline: Steelers -310 | Total: 35.5

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Steelers vs. Lions Best Bet ATS: Lions +6.5 (-105)

It’s hard to get excited about what the Pittsburgh Steelers have done on offense this preseason. Their quarterback situation has yet to be solved heading into this matchup, which is likely why we’re seeing them hit the road as a near-touchdown favorite. The Steelers have plenty of kinks to iron out on offense, but that might not be easy to transpire, even against the Lions’ backups. This is a lot of points for a road team in a preseason game, and we were content to back the home side to keep this one close.

Steelers vs. Lions Best Bet Total: UNDER 35.5 (-115)

We know how hard the Lions play on defense for their head coach, Dan Campbell. Even with the Lions expected to play some backups in this matchup, the Steelers offense hasn’t given us any indication that they can put up points this preseason. The quarterback competition will continue for the Steelers, but the Lions have the depth to make life difficult for an offensive line that has yet to put the pieces together. On the other end of the spectrum, we’ll likely see many second and third-stringers for the Lions, meaning the Steelers should also keep this a low-scoring matchup. 

Lions Offensive Player To Watch: Hendon Hooker, QB

There have been some nice moments for Hendon Hooker during the preseason, and we’ll be looking for more of those in this matchup at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hooker has a lot of the tools you’re looking for in a quarterback, but he still has plenty to prove if he wants to cement his status on an NFL roster. The preseason allows for players like Hooker to demonstrate they belong on an NFL roster, and that’s what we’ll be most focused on for the Lions on Saturday afternoon. 

Lions Defensive Player to Watch: Brandon Joseph, S

It’s been a solid camp for Brandon Joseph with the Detroit Lions. He quietly played a strong game last week against the Kansas City Chiefs and has been building up steam throughout August. If Joseph can continue to make big plays for the Lions’ secondary, you must like their depth more than last season. Joseph has led the Lions’ defense in training camp interceptions, highlighting how strong he’s looked. 

Steelers Offensive Player to Watch: The Quarterbacks, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers debuted veteran quarterback Russell Wilson under the lights last Saturday night at home against the Buffalo Bills. To say that it was a struggle for Wilson would be an understatement. The offensive line didn’t do him any favors, and the competition for QB1 is still wide-open. Justin Fields has had some impressive moments, but he hasn’t exactly separated himself as a passer. We know what he can do with his legs, and there’s real potential that he could play well in an Arthur Smith offense. How this matchup plays out for these respective quarterbacks will likely help dictate who starts for the Steelers in Atlanta in Week 1. 

Steelers Defensive Player to Watch: Cory Trice Jr., DB

The Steelers have had some open competition in their secondary, and the one player who appears to be locking himself into a role is Cory Trice Jr. The youngster had a strong camp last year before injuring himself and missing his rookie season. He hasn’t missed a beat this year, and there have been plenty of positive trends to get excited about with him, highlighted by his size and overall athletic presence. We’ll be looking toward Trice Jr. to solidify his position on the roster in this clash. 

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