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Steelers vs. Lions: Preview, score prediction for Week 8

By Genna Preston

PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 14: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch in front of Eric King #29 of the Detroit Lions during the preseason game on August 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 14: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch in front of Eric King #29 of the Detroit Lions during the preseason game on August 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions entered the season looking like some fierce playoff contenders. Unfortunately, it’s all gone downhill over the last couple of weeks. They’re standing at a 3-3 record, having lost three of their last four games, including back-to-back games in Week 5 and 6.

Luckily for the Lions, they’re coming off their well needed bye week. In Week 6, Matthew Stafford and the Lions took a beating. Stafford was hit seven times for 5 sacks. This is the game they need to win to prove their worth this season, especially with their divisional opponents falling apart lately.

The Steelers are still the Steelers. They are one of the top five ranked teams entering Week 8. They are 5-2 and tied with two other teams for the best AFC record. Pittsburgh to win if they want to take the AFC, and continue their momentum.

Keys To Victory

The Lions offensive line is crumbling, because of injuries. Stafford needs to be better protected. Especially, so he can throw the ball downfield, because their run game has lapsed as well. The Lions receiving corps has been shut down these last couple of games, and they need to make themselves more available for Stafford.

Detroit’s defense is going to have concentrate on Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Over their last two games, Bell had over 300 rushing yards, and Brown finished with over 200 receiving yards.

Bell and the Steelers offense will need to prepare for the Detroit front seven.. They have limited four of six opponents to less than 100 rushing yards. The Lions secondary also assists against the run, which could end up being be a challenge for Bell.

Next: NFL Week 8: One burning question for each team

Prediction

Pittsburgh will start out strong, but this is the week we see the comeback king (Stafford) in action. The Lions defense will step it up, but Stafford will continue to be left unprotected resulting into a fumble. While the Steelers will enter halftime ahead of the game, but the Lions will come back in the fourth quarter to take the victory.

Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers: 21, Detroit Lions: 24

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