Pittsburgh Steelers try to head to bye week hot with win in Detroit

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to head into the bye week with a win as they face the Detroit Lions on the road.

Week 8 is a test for the Steelers. Not because the Lions are an extremely difficult team, but because they’re the perfect set up for another fall by Pittsburgh. As every Steelers fan knows, games like these are the biggest threat for Pittsburgh. When it comes to playing teams not as talented as them, the Steelers tend to play down, and against Detroit, that’ll quickly turn into a loss.

Pittsburgh looks different, though. With the offense finally clicking, the defense still playing like one of the best in the AFC and Martavis Bryant’s distractions being forced out, this could be the first time we see the Steelers play full-force in 2017.

The offensive expectations should start with Ben Roethlisberger. Right before the bye week and with a new look at wide receiver, this could be the breakout game everyone’s been waiting for. Maybe he doesn’t have the deep ball strength he’s used to, but he’s proven he can still be just as productive.

JuJu Smith-Schuster is looking to secure his place in Pittsburgh. With Bryant not even suiting up after his drama the last two weeks, Smith-Schuster is the new man on the outside. With Sunday night football being his first night to shine, he could be looking at one of the biggest games of his season. One he will take full advantage of.

Then, there’s the defense. Detroit is known for throwing the football, which could be a huge test for guys like Artie Burns and Joe Haden. But with the way this unit is playing, along with the pass rush that’s next to perfect, there should be no struggles in stalling Matthew Stafford and the Lions’ passing attack.

Pittsburgh is set to carry their momentum into the bye week, but they’ll have to play their level of play and not Detroits. They’ve proven they can do it before, and this time, it should be no different.

Must Read: 4 keys to a Week 8 win in Detroit

This could be the first time Steelers Nation see their team play how they should. Which is going to be scary fun to watch.

Here’s how to watch:

Date: Sunday, October 29, 2017
Start Time: 8:30 PM EST
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Venue: Ford Field
TV: NBC
Live Stream: fubo.tv