When the Detroit Lions are at their best, games don’t stay close for long, and Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers sets up as another opportunity to prove that point.
As the Detroit Lions prepare to host the Pittsburgh Steelers, the formula for success is straightforward: play clean, disciplined football. No unnecessary penalties. No untimely drops. No self-inflicted wounds. Detroit does not need to be flawless, but if the Lions execute the way they are capable of, Sunday could turn into another statement performance at Ford Field.
Oddsmakers expect fireworks. The over/under is set at 51.5 points, tied for the highest total of the week, signaling expectations of yardage, scoring and explosive plays on both sides. With that in mind, here are three bold predictions that could define the matchup — and help Detroit continue asserting itself as one of the NFL’s elite teams.
Bold Prediction No. 1: Jameson Williams Scores Two Touchdowns
Jameson Williams recording two touchdowns may seem ambitious, especially considering he has not done it yet this season. But the opportunity is there, and the trend lines are encouraging.
Williams currently sits at +1200 odds to score twice, yet his recent production suggests that number may undervalue his role in Detroit’s offense. He has found the end zone five times over his last seven games and continues to develop stronger chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff. The explosive receiver has already proven in past seasons that he is capable of multi-touchdown performances, having logged at least one such game in each of his last two years.
The matchup also favors Detroit. Pittsburgh has surrendered 23 passing touchdowns this season, ranking near the bottom half of the league. Meanwhile, the Lions boast the NFL’s highest-scoring offense, creating ample scoring opportunities across the board. With Amon-Ra St. Brown coming off another dominant outing and drawing consistent double coverage, Williams could benefit from favorable matchups and single coverage downfield.
Detroit’s offense thrives on balance and explosiveness. If the Steelers overcommit to stopping St. Brown or the run game, Williams has the speed and playmaking ability to capitalize twice.
Bold Prediction No. 2: Lions Win by Double Digits
Detroit does not lose back-to-back games. In fact, the Lions currently hold the NFL’s longest active streak without consecutive losses, a testament to their resilience under head coach Dan Campbell.
Returning to Ford Field only adds confidence. Detroit has turned its home stadium into one of the league’s toughest environments, feeding off crowd energy and fast starts. Pittsburgh’s losses offer another reason for optimism: four of the Steelers’ six defeats this season have come by double digits. When things unravel for Pittsburgh, they tend to unravel quickly.
Detroit leads the NFL in scoring and has consistently shown the ability to pull away once momentum swings in its favor. If the Lions offense does what it has done all season, finish drives and apply pressure, this game could get out of hand.
There is also a betting trend that Lions fans have grown to trust. Detroit is 15-0 against the spread when coming off a loss. With the Lions favored by 6.5 points, a double-digit victory is well within reach and aligns with how this team typically responds.
Bold Prediction No. 3: Lions Force Three Turnovers
This prediction pairs directly with the second. When Detroit’s defense creates chaos, the results are decisive.
The Lions have forced at least three turnovers in three games this season, and each time they did, they won by 10 points or more. Ball disruption has become a defining trait of Detroit’s defense, whether through pressure, tipped passes or opportunistic coverage.
If the Lions reach that turnover mark again, it likely means Pittsburgh is playing from behind and taking risks — exactly where Detroit wants its opponent. Extra possessions for the league’s top-scoring offense usually lead to points, and points lead to separation.
If even two of these three bold predictions come true, Detroit should be in firm control by the fourth quarter. If all three hit, expect Ford Field to be rocking and the Lions to remind the rest of the NFL that they are a playoff caliber team.