Detroit Lions: 5 Bold Predictions Against the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Detroit Lions will attempt to distance themselves in the NFC North race when they travel to Heinz Field to take on a somewhat resurrected Pittsburgh Steelers squad. 

Pittsburgh is coming off a 23-10 victory over Buffalo where it held the Bills to just three points over a three-quarter span. The Steelers are looking to get back in the AFC playoff picture after starting the season losing four straight games.

The Steelers are 3-6 but won’t be disregarded by the Lions. Despite Calvin Johnson racking up historical franchise numbers against the Cowboys in Week 8, and the New England Patriots gaining 610 yards and dropping a double nickel on the Steelers, Detroit does not doubt Pittsburgh’s capabilities on D.

But, I can’t say the same for myself.

After laying a nice, stinky goose egg last week, I’m back with bolder predictions. Here are my five for this week’s game.

Boldest of the Bold: Roethlisberger Throws for Under 225

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Big Ben has struggled this season.

Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for more than 300 yards just three times this season; two of those games were against NFC North opponents. The Minnesota Vikings (383 yards) and the Chicago Bears (406 yards) have given “Big Ben” some of his best performances this year.

That stops against Detroit.

Big Ben has struggled to produce anything in the pass game as his pocket has collapsed too quickly, and he constantly has to make plays with his feet rather than his arm. The O-line of Pittsburgh will be bullied all day.

In addition, with the pressure being applied by the D-line of the Lions, Roethlisberger won’t have the opportunity to hit many receivers downfield. Because of the lack of protection, Roethlisberger won’t produce much for Pittsburgh’s aerial assault.

Special thanks to Falcon Punch for helping me develop this new “Boldest of the Bold” prediction.

Reggie Bush Goes...Off

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Reggie Bush has ignited the Lions this season.

This one has plenty of reasonable substance to it. Not that my other predictions don’t, but this one more so than others.

Let’s see: The Steelers allow 127 rushing yards per game. Against the New England Patriots, Stevan Ridley went for 115 yards and a touchdown. Against the Oakland Raiders, Terrelle Pryor and Darren McFadden combined for 179 yards (including Pryor’s record-setting run) and three rushing TDs.

Two of the Steelers' last three opponents have absolutely disrespected their run defense. Like Rick James’-boots-on-Charlie Murphy’s-couch disrespect.   

Now it’s Reggie Bush’s turn to put dirt on the Steelers' metaphorical sofa.

Bush will have 150 yards and two touchdowns on the ground at Heinz Field. In this contest, Matthew Stafford can slow down in the passing game and put more stock in the ground game.

DeAndre Levy Gets 2 Picks

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Levy has been great for Detroit this year.

If there have been interceptions on defense for Detroit, you can bet DeAndre Levy has been involved. Levy has a career-high five interceptions through just nine games. And Big Ben has turned the ball over 15 times (10 interceptions, five fumbles) through nine games.

Levy will pull down two of Roethlisberger’s passes Sunday.

With Pittsburgh's O-line struggling to stop the big bodies on Detroit’s D-line, one ball will be tipped, and the opportunist that Levy is will be there to pick it out of the air. His other takeaway will come from great coverage on a pass across the middle. Levy has made great plays on defense that haven’t shown up in the box score this year—these will.

Big Ben needs to be on the lookout for Levy as he scouts every one of his throws.

Ndamukong Suh Notches 2 Sacks

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Ndamukong Suh has been relentless this season.

According to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com, Roethlisberger said, "Well, yeah, you've got to be careful. You'll end up dead if you're not careful. This is a great D-line and defense.”

I highly doubt he’ll die, but he may be sore after Sunday. Ndamukong Suh will burst through the pass protection of the Steelers and get to Big Ben at will. Because of his ability to extend plays, Roethlisberger will avoid various sacks. However, Suh will bring down No. 7 (hopefully without reason to be fined) twice.

Roethlisberger’s “pass protection” may as well not be there since it has failed to shield him so often. Suh may not have to break a sweat getting into the backfield in this matchup.

Steelers Have a Big Day on the Ground…and Lose

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Bell has not been a big help in Pittsburgh's run game.

It’s no secret that Detroit gives up highlight plays as if they’re a weekly requirement. This will be the case against the Steelers' struggling run game (80.6 ypg). Le’Veon Bell has only four rushing TDs for Pittsburgh and is averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Yikes.

But never fear, the Detroit Lions are here. It’s not that I doubt Detroit’s run defense. After all, against Chicago, Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery combined for just 38 yards. But when you least expect it, the Lions allow some crazy play to happen.

Bell will earn 127 yards on the ground with two TDs, but his valiant effort won’t save the Steelers from their inability to establish the passing game.