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Lions vs. Steelers Preseason Week 3 NFL Picks: Underdog Detroit Has More to Play For

Connor Cooper

Last Updated: September 8, 2022 6:56 PM EDT • 1 min 56 sec read.

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to close out an unbeaten preseason slate when they host the Detroit Lions, who have split a pair of high-scoring games so far in exhibition action. Here are our Lions-Steelers picks.

The Steelers have dominated Detroit over the years in Pittsburgh, going 13-1-1 in the last 15 meetings in western Pennsylvania.

Let's see where the value lies for this week's contest.

Here are my picks and predictions for Sunday’s Week 3 preseason matchup between the GLions and Steelers (odds via Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).   

Lions vs. Steelers Game Info

Date: Sunday, Aug. 28, 4:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
Weather: 92 degrees, 0% chance of precipitation, 4-mph winds

Lions vs. Steelers Odds Analysis

Detroit has drawn nearly 90% of the money in early betting action but the point spread has steadily moved toward Pittsburgh as the week went along, climbing to 4.5 after opening with the Steelers as 3-point home chalk.

The total has also crept up, moving from an opener of 37 to as high as 40 before settling at 39 as of Friday morning. If you’re interested in backing the Over, make sure you take a look at the line at DraftKings, which had a total of 38.5 with -115 juice shaded to the Under.

Lions vs. Steelers Picks

Betting Ticket0826.2

Lions vs. Steelers Spread Pick

Lions +4.5 (-110) ★★

One reason the Steelers are sizable favorites here is that the Lions won’t play top quarterback Jared Goff, while Pittsburgh is expected to play its top three options at pivot: Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and rookie Kenny Pickett.

However, Detroit backups David Blough and Tim Boyle should have many of the team’s other top offensive weapons at their disposal, at least for the first half. Detroit appears likely to suit up many of its starters for the first two quarters.

If Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin opts to give his starters limited playing time or even sit them entirely, we could see this line drop dramatically before kickoff.

Check out the latest comprehensive and most trusted Sportsbook Reviews by SBR.

Lions vs. Steelers O/U Pick

Over 38.5 (-105) ★★★★

Quarterbacks on both sides are eager for one more opportunity to showcase their skills, and the coaches should be willing to give them that chance.

“We need somebody to really take the reins here. Somebody needs to step up,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said of the battle between Blough and Boyle for the backup quarterback spot.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has yet to announce whether Trubisky, Rudolph, or Pickett will be the team’s starter on opening day — though it seems likely the former will be the top gun, leaving Pickett and Rudolph competing for the No. 2 job.

Each of Detroit’s first two preseason games sailed Over the total by more than two touchdowns, while Pickett (19 of 22 for 171 yards and three touchdowns) and Rudolph (26-for-36, 220, two TD) have put up solid numbers in the preseason. I think we see at least 40 points in this one.

Where to Bet on Lions vs. Steelers

SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Lions-Steelers picks made 8/26/2022 at 1:11 p.m. ET

Written By:
Connor Cooper
Connor Cooper has written about sports in various capacities for more than 20 years, including as a newspaper reporter, sports handicapper, and betting analyst. He originates hockey plays every day throughout the NHL season, regularly bets his own opinions on NFL and college football, and relies on handicappers he trusts to find daily action in basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and golf. A diehard Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan growing up in the Toronto area, Connor quickly shed all his allegiances once he realized that making money betting on sports was much more fun than cheering for his favorite team. Connor won’t hesitate to bet on — or against — anybody if that’s where the value lies. In addition to analyzing recent and season-long statistics, Connor always looks to account for the human element when breaking down games, weighing situational and motivational factors into his handicapping process. He's also a big believer in finding creative ways to generate more value, constantly scouring BetMGM, Caesar, FanDuel, and other regulated sportsbooks' derivative markets such as team totals, alternate lines, and player props.