The matchups are great in this game for the Steelers who will likely try to keep more balanced on offense now that Rashard Mendenhall had stepped in the starting role at running back.  He’s a load to bring down and the Lions have not defensed the run too well this season as they are allowing 121.3 yards rushing per game and 5.2 yards per carry.  Rookie WR Mike Wallace had stepped up into the #3 WR role making the Steelers even more potent in the passing game with WRs Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and TE Heath Miller all running routes.  Opposing QBs have a 118.8 Rating against the Lions who are allowing 240.3 yards passing per game.  The only hope the Lions have of slowing the Steelers down in this game is by blitzing early and often trying to bait Ben Roethlisberger into making some mistakes (he has 4 interceptions this season).

The consensus thought in this game is that the Lions will come out running the ball in a attempt to control the clock.  But, with Kevin Smith (234 rushing yards) only averaging 3.2 yards per carry the Lions might be better off throwing the ball downfield trying to make this game a shootout.  The problem with that is that Daunte Culpepper will likely be starting this game and he has had happy feet since injuring his knee while with the Vikings.  The Steelers will no doubt be double covering Calvin Johnson so it might be up to Bryant Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew to step up.  The Steelers are allowing 218.3 yards passing per game this season so it’s not a impossible task to throw the ball on them.

PREDICTION:  STEELERS 38, LIONS 10