The Detroit Lions will be without QB Matt Stafford, Sunday Oct 11, as the Lions host the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are looking for their first road win of the season. The Steelers won their last meeting 35-21, but haven’t met since the 2006 season. NFL oddsmakers at BetUS.com have the Steelers as -10.5 point road favs over the Lions with the over/under set at 44 points . Be sure to get your Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions NFL Week 5 Picks in now at BetUS.com
The Steelers (2-2) beat San Diego 38-28 at home in Week 4 and now sit third in the AFC North. QB Ben Roethlisberger made 26 of 33 passes for 333 yards with two TD passes, overall he’s thrown for 1,193 yards with five TD passes and four interceptions. It's the first game this season that Roethlisberger finished with more TD passes than interceptions. Their top RB Rashard Mendenhall had 29 carries for 165 yards with two TD’s. Mendenhall came into Week 4 with just seven carries for 45 yards this season; he fueled Pittsburgh's ground game with Willie Parker out because of a big toe injury. RB Mewelde Moore threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to TE Heath Miller, who ended the day with two TD’s. Their top WR Hines Ward made eight catches for 113 yards. The Steelers generated 177 yards rushing and 320 yards in the air. The Steelers offense relies heavily on their third ranked passing game, while their 16th ranked running game improved with RB Rashard Mendenhall carrying the load. On defense they allow the fifth least amount of total yards allowed while they struggle against the pass with Troy Polamalu sidelined. Against the rush they are solid with the third best rush defense. RB Willie Parker might sit out Sundays tilt, but with the new kid on the block in, they should be able to ground and pound . The Steelers are 1-3 ATS and 2-2 over/under.
The Lions (1-4) lost in Chicago 24-48 in Week 4 and sit last in the NFC North. QB Matt Stafford limped off the field after he was sacked in the fourth quarter. Stafford twisted his knee on the play and is expected to be out 1-2 weeks . After scoring three touchdowns in six drives of the first half, Detroit had minus-8 yards in the third quarter and then could only muster a field goal in three fourth-quarter possessions. Their top RB Kevin Smith had 19 carries for 30 yards with two TD’s, while WR Calvin Johnson made eight catches for 133 yards, while TE Will Heller added a TD. WR Calvin Johnson is listed as probable for Sundays tilt due to quad injury. The Lions managed 90 yards rushing and a much improved 308 yards passing. The Lions main problem is on defense, which gives up a 21st ranked total yards allowed, while sitting 24th against the pass and 21st against the rush. Their offense did much better at putting the ball in the air, but with Stafford sidelined it’ll be up to Daunte Culpepper.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Steelers are 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 games in Week 5.
- Lions are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a home underdog.
- Lions are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games on fieldturf.
- Lions are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 home games.
- Lions are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Lions are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.
- Over is 4-1 in Steelers last 5 games as a road favorite.
- Over is 4-1 in Steelers last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions
When: Sun, Oct 11, 2009 1:00 PM ET
Line: BetUS.com
Pick: Steelers -10.5
Point-Spreads.com Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions NFL Week 5 Picks
The Bottom Line: The Steelers will look to improve their game by utilizing all of their offense to go with their devastating defense. Be sure to get your Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions NFL Week 5 Picks in now and Bet on sports at online sportsbook BetUS.com and receive up to 145% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!
