Pittsburgh Favored by 11 Over Detroit

NFL News - October 6th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Detroit Lions will look to get their second win of the season on Sunday as they host the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Lions came out flat in the second half of Sunday's 48-24 loss to Chicago, after going into halftime with the game tied at 21.  They have struggled to put together any consistency on offense under the leadership of rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford.  The Steelers (2-2) had to hold off a fourth quarter rally by the San Diego Chargers on Sunday and came away with a 38-28 win.

Pittsburgh, the defending Super Bowl Champions, have not gotten off to the start they had envisioned.  The offense has held their own in their first four games.  They are ranked 6th in total yards per game with 383.  Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for 1,193 yards and 5 touchdowns on the year.  Running back Rashard Mendenhall had his break out game against the Chargers on Sunday and gained 165 yards and scored 2 touchdowns, while filling in for starter Willie Parker who was out with an injury.   Roethlisberger has led the way offensively with his arm and has an outstanding group of receivers to throw to.  Hines Ward leads this group with 355 yards, while Santonio Holmes has 284 yards receiving and one touchdown. Tight end Heath Miller has caught his fair share of passes and has 181 yards and leads all receivers with 2 touchdowns.  Their defense suffered a set back when they lost safety Troy Polamalu for the season.  They currently are ranked 15th in passing defense which is down from a season ago with Polamalu in the lineup.  However, they still rank near the top in total yards allowed, allowing only 279 yards per game.

Detroit seems to be carrying over from last season on both sides of the ball. Stafford has taken over for veteran Daunte Culpepper, but has not managed to lead an offense that has played very inconsistently.  The lone bright spot in their offense has been in the passing game.  Stafford has passed for 894 yards and 3 touchdowns.  He has played like a rookie while trying to adjust to the speed of the NFL and has thrown 6 interceptions. Running back Kevin Smith leads all backs with 234 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns.  The defense, despite getting 9 takeaways this year, is struggling and ranks 32nd in points allowed. 

According to Betus Sportsbook, the Pittsburgh Steelers are favored on the road by 11 over Detroit.  The over/under is set at 43 1/2. 

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