Detroit Lions tie with Pittsburgh Steelers, 16-16: Game thread replay
Detroit Lions (0-8) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)
When: 1 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
TV/radio: Fox; WXYT-FM (97.1; other radio affiliates).
Line: Steelers by 5½.
SCOUTING REPORT, PICK: Dave Birkett breaks down Lions-Steelers after Big Ben news
LIONS MAILBAG: What Detroit might do about WR (free agency), QB (draft)
Game notes: The Lions are not and should not and shouldn't be favored, but Sunday's matchup may be as good a chance as any for Detroit to grab win No. 1 under Dan Campbell. As our Dave Birkett outlined, this is a deeply flawed Steelers offense coming off a short week and late-minute win. The Lions will have one of their best offensive linemen Taylor Decker suit up for the first time this season, even if they will be missing their most productive running back (Jamaal Williams) and starting kicking (Austin Seibert).
TRENDING: As Lions forge new identity, Steelers remain best template for success
STEEL CITY CURSE: Lions winless skid in Pittsburgh began against Bobby Layne
Pittsburgh is squarely in the playoff picture, but suffers from a stale offense. Ben Roethlisberger is having a sluggish season and is out for this game (COVID-19). Starting receiver Chase Claypool is also out. Mason Rudolph, who owns a 5-4 record at QB1, will start. Najee Harris is the type of tough, physical running back that has given the Lions issues over the years. If Detroit can tackle pass catchers following short completions and contain the sometimes inefficient run game, the Lions might have a shot near game's end. All of the Steelers' wins have come by single digits and the team has failed to score 21 points in half their games. The question will be can Jared Goff and the Lions offense move the ball against the unit starring T.J. Watt. The Steelers may give us some yards but allow the eighth-fewest points per game.
[ The Free Press has started a new digital subscription model. Here's how you can gain access to our most exclusive content. ]
Live updates
Can't see the updates? Refresh the page or check them out on Twitter.
Follow the Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for more news. Tyler Davis can be contacted at tjdavis@freepress.com or on Twitter @TDavisFreep.
Your subscription makes work like this possible. Get exclusive subscriber content and more here.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions tie with Pittsburgh Steelers, 16-16: Game thread
