Lions will end talk of playoffs for Steelers
The Steelers played their most complete game last week and defeated the Buffalo Bills, 23-10, in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score suggests.
That win put Pittsburgh at 3-6 and, surprisingly, pulled them within two games of both the AFC North lead and the second wild-card spot in the AFC.
We’ll find out today, when the Steelers host the Detroit Lions, if we have to start looking at the playoff races or if the it’s time to start looking at potential draft picks.
Of Pittsburgh’s remaining seven games, only three are against teams with winning records. Two of those teams, Cincinnati and Green Bay, are struggling. The third team is Detroit, which comes to Pittsburgh on a roll, having won three of its last four games.
Everyone knows the Lions have star wide receiver Calvin Johnson and quarterback Matthew Stafford.
But that offense is less potent on the road (21.8 points per game) than at home (32.2). And while the Lions don’t allow Stafford to be sacked – only 10 this season – they also don’t get a lot of sacks. Detroit, despite the presence of defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, has just 15 sacks.
That means today’s game will be in which the Steelers enter with more sacks than the opponent.
Other teams with low sack totals, too. Chicago, for example, have found ways to get to Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethilisberger. The Bears have just 14 sacks, but three came in a win over the Steelers.
The Lions are two-point favorites and this game should go down to the wire.
If the Steelers can keep Johnson under control and force somebody else on Detroit’s offense to beat them, they can win.
If Detroit can get to Roethlisberger and force turnovers, they could run away with it.
Look for the Lions to end any talk about the Steelers and the playoffs.
Take Detroit, 24-17
The Bengals are struggling. They should win, but five points is too much.
Take Cleveland to cover in a 20-17 loss
Carolina’s defense has been playing well, but the Patriots are coming off a bye.
Take New England, 24-20
Kansas City has been living of defense and special teams touchdowns. Not this week.
Take Denver, 30-17
The 49ers are really struggling on offense. That’s not good news against Drew Brees & Co.
Take New Orleans, 27-16
Jets beats the Bills earlier this season, 27-20, behind a 331-yard passing game from Geno Smith.
Take the Jets, 23-20
Nick Foles has 16 TD passes, no interceptions.
Take Philadelphia, 30-24
Ravens can’t run the ball and the Bears are very opportunistic with their pass defense.
Take Chicago, 21-16
Seahawks keep giving double-digit spreads at home and don’t cover.
Take Minnesota to cover in a 27-17 loss
The Giants, with a win, could be in the thick of the playoff race. Mediocrity is the name of the NFC East.
Take the Giants, 24-17
Cardinals are playing well, but the Jaguars are at least competitive with Chad Henne at quarterback.
Take Jacksonville to cover in a 23-20 loss
The Dolphins, with their loss to Tampa Bay Monday, showed that the Martin-Incognito issue is overwhelming the team.
Take San Diego, 24-17
There’s no way the Bucs can win two in a row, even at home.
Take Atlanta, 23-13
Case Keenum has been good for the Texans, but seven points is too much to lay for a team that hasn’t won since Week 2.
Take Oakland to cover in a 27-23 loss
Last Week: 5-8 ATS; 7-6 Straight up
Overall: 56-78-4 ATS; 85-53 Straight up
F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.