If you wanted to diagnose the ills of the Detroit Lions organization, Sunday’s opponent across the sidelines would be a handy reference.
The Lions and Steelers are franchises that could not be more different. One is healthy and stable and constantly thriving. The other is the team we’re stuck with here in Michigan.
The Steelers have an identity, strong leadership and an infrastructure that doesn’t need transcendent talents to have a chance.
Everything the Lions are not.
True to form, Detroit has not won in the Steel City since 1955, two years before the Lions last were champions.
As if you needed another extraordinary stat to drive home the dreariness of this bumbling franchise.
Here are five things to watch as the Lions play at the Steelers (1 p.m., FOX/97.1):
Decker day
Taylor Decker is listed as questionable, but it sure seems like we’ll see the return of offensive tackle Taylor Decker on Sunday.
And hey, maybe he can help the passing game. Decker’s one career TD reception is more than three of the six wide receivers on the active roster.
Watt a debut
Decker’s debut would push Penei Sewell to right tackle where he’s expected to make his first career start at that position.
Who’s waiting? One of the game’s best pass rushers in T.J. Watt. Watt, 27, is officially out of his older brother’s shadow and is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, recording 11.5 sacks already this season, second in the league.
Big Ben’s revenge
Many wrote off Ben Roethlisberger (again?) after a slow start to his 18th season. But you know what? He’s been pretty good since.
Roethlisberger has gone four games without throwing an interception, all wins. The future Hall of Famer is still a load to bring down too, and that’s assuming the Lions’ front can ever get to him, which is not a sure bet.
Hauling down Harris
Najee Harris seems like he’s been around a long time, as Michigan fans will remember the recruiting circus that surrounded him back in 2017.
After four years at Alabama though, Harris is just an NFL rookie now. He’s hard to bring down and will be a true test for the Lions’ defense, one of the worst tackling units in the league.
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Heinz heroes?
As much as Detroit has struggled in Pittsburgh, this season could be as good as any to pull a surprise. Pittsburgh opened as 9.5-point favorites but it was down to 7.5 at some places on Saturday afternoon.
Plus, the Steelers are actually 0-4 against the spread as home favorites this season, according to PlayPennsylvania.com. And remember, Detroit is 4-4 against the spread, alternating covering and not covering the spread each game. This week would be a cover if that pattern holds.
Matt Schoch covers sports betting for PlayMichigan.com.