The season is almost at the halfway point and we are starting to see some separation from the elite teams in the league. This week will be no different as the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers head to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions.
The Steelers look to make it three in a row and the Lions need a win to stay in the thick of the NFC North race.
Here are our picks for the winner of this Sunday Night matchup as well as our upset picks for the week:
Jason Romano – Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Detroit Lions 21 – Big Ben has turned the ship in the right direction and the Steelers are playing much better after that terrible home loss to Jacksonville. I like Pittsburgh on the road to do enough to get the victory.
UPSET – New York Jets 27, Atlanta Falcons 24 — Atlanta has not been able to duplicate their success from last year. Josh McCown has been a pleasant surprise, providing stability at the quarterback position. I like him to have a big game and the Jets to pull off the upset at home.
Justin Adams – Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Detroit Lions 20 – I’m still not 100 percent convinced of which Pittsburgh Steelers team I will see on Sunday. The one that went into Arrowhead Stadium and beat the Chiefs or the one that lost at home to Jacksonville by double digits? I’m taking the Steelers by a touchdown in their final game before their bye week.
UPSET – Houston Texans 26, Seattle Seahawks 23 – Can a rookie QB come into Seattle and beat the Legion of Boom? Yes, if your name is Deshaun Watson. Watson is second in the NFL with 15 touchdown passes and has a 101.1 passer rating that’s good for sixth in the league. Give me the youngster to ace his toughest exam in his NFL career.
Jon Ackerman – Pittsburgh Steelers 34, Detroit Lions 17 – The Lions have little offense and the Steelers have a lot. Detroit won’t be able to keep up.
UPSET – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24, Carolina Panthers 14 – The 2-4 Bucs have lost three straight but I see them getting back on track against a struggling but 4-3 Panthers squad. Tampa trails only New England in offensive yards per game (392.8).
Last week’s picks:
Jason: Patriots 34 – Falcons 28
Justin: Falcons 38 – Patriots 31
Jon: Patriots 23 – Falcons 17
Actual Result: New England Patriots 23 – Atlanta Falcons 7
Season Record: (Upsets Record in Parentheses)
Jason: 5-2 (2-4)
Justin: 4-3 (3-3)
Jon: 4-2 (2-4)
David Pollack is a former University of Georgia All-American linebacker, who was a first-round draft pick in 2005 by the Cincinnati Bengals. After his playing career, he spent more than a decade at ESPN as a college football analyst. He is also the co-host of the “Family Goals” podcast and the host of the “See Ball Get Ball” podcast.
Today on Sports Spectrum, David Pollack discusses his wife’s brain cancer battle, trusting God in the storm, carrying your cross, and the current state of college football.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
My Babydoll’s morning after a 6+ hour surgery. I mean ain’t God good? pic.twitter.com/0GShMdyNr9
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) March 13, 2025
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Kendrick Bourne is a wide receiver with the New England Patriots. He went undrafted in 2017 despite having a stellar college career at Eastern Washington, but eventually signed with the San Francisco 49ers, making the final roster as a rookie. He spent four seasons in San Francisco (2017-20) before signing with New England in 2021. He’s scored 11 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Patriots.
Today on the podcast, Kendrick Bourne shares his powerful story of surrendering to Jesus in Miami, God’s grace in his life, teaching his kids about Christ, and living out his faith in the NFL.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
#Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne in his latest YouTube video:
“I’m telling you. This my year. This my year. I know it. Josh McDaniels, I’m coming. I’m coming to dominate.”
New England’s receivers have been putting in work non-stop! 🔥
(🎥 @BournePoly11 YT) pic.twitter.com/GPeiO5hMy1
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 28, 2025
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Adam Burt is the team chaplain for the New York Jets and lead pastor of Every Nation Church in New Jersey. Prior to his work in ministry, Burt was an NHL player for 13 seasons (1988-2001) with the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers and Atlanta Thrashers.
Today on the podcast, Adam Burt shares his journey from being an NHL player to becoming an NFL chaplain, emphasizing the importance of living authentically as a Christian in a competitive environment. The conversation touches on the challenges athletes face, the significance of mentorship, and the impact of faith in their lives.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
Adam Burt has taken the unique path from NHL defenseman to pastor, and now author. He's taking stories from his playing career, including playing in the longest game in NHL history, and using them as examples in his new role. https://t.co/FBXO7SuYvj
— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) April 1, 2025
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