Expert Predictions: Will Detroit Lions Defeat Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Detroit Lions (8-6) will square off with the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) in a virtual must-win Week 16 matchup Sunday afternoon. Kickoff for the Lions’ final home game of the 2025 regular season is set for 4:25 p.m. (EST).

Dan Campbell’s squad will be tested against the Steelers, which stand atop the AFC North and have won two straight games.

Here are the predictions from the Detroit Lions On SI staff for the Lions' Week 16 affair with Aaron Rodgers & Co.

Christian Booher

The Lions are now at a crossroads after a loss to the Los Angeles Rams, as another loss could have dire consequences for the team's playoff hopes.

The Lions still have not lost back-to-back games under Dan Campbell since 2022, but they've been in a unique rotation of losses and wins over the last nine games.

Consistency will be of utmost importance over the final three games, as winning out gives them a high percentage of making the postseason. There is very little room for error, though, and as a result the Lions need to pounce on the Steelers early.

Campbell's teams have always shown up with their backs against the wall, and I don't expect Sunday to be any different. An aging Aaron Rodgers makes things somewhat difficult, but the Lions grind it out against the Steelers in a gritty win for the home season finale.

Lions 27, Steelers 23

Vito Chirco

On Sunday, the Lions will battle with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers in the first of three games that are all virtual must-win contests.

In last week’s loss to the Rams, Jared Goff threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams accounting for 298 of those yards and all three of the touchdowns. St. Brown led the way with a monstrous effort for Detroit: 164 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

The Lions should have another solid day through the air against the Steelers, which have allowed the sixth-most passing yards (3,394)

Detroit will use that to its advantage, along with the fact that EDGE T.J. Watt will be sidelined (partially collapsed lung), to capture the much-needed Week 16 victory

Lions 28, Steelers 20

John Maakaron

The Detroit Lions are returning home to Ford Field a desperate football team.

Both the Rams and Packers did not help out the cause, as they both were unable to come away with victories, making the climb to earn a playoff spot even tougher for Dan Campbell's squad.

Detroit is seeking to begin a three-game winning streak and the offense has been on a roll lately.

Campbell's offense should be able to outscore a Steelers team that features a bottom third scoring offense.

The biggest question mark is going to be can Kelvin Sheppard rally the defense to play better and slow down the number of explosive rushes and explosive passing plays Aaron Rodgers is able to execute.

This should be a physical contest, but one the Lions win, giving fans something to cheer about after the home finale concludes.

Lions 24, Steelers 20

Emmett Matasovsky

It is “put up or shut up” time for Detroit. If the Lions want to make the postseason, they must win out. The Steelers are the first opponent in their path.

Detroit enters with Kerby Joseph officially out and on injured reserve, but regains Christian Mahogany. The Lions also have the motivation of facing longtime foe Aaron Rodgers, and the defensive line will be eager to repay the former Packers QB with a sack.

Pittsburgh has followed a 4-1 start to the season with a 4-5 record since. Receiver D.K. Metcalf presents the biggest issue for Motown, especially with DJ Reed not looking the same since returning from injury.

However, Detroit’s offense, with Trystan Colon being subbed out for Christian Mahogany, will come alive. The crucial pieces are mostly returned, spare Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. On paper, it is hard to see a Pittsburgh team without T.J. Watt competing with Detroit.

In the final game in front of the Ford Field faithful, Jahmyr Gibbs hits his usual 150 yards from scrimmage, David Montgomery runs for a score, Amon-Ra St. Brown hits 80 yards and a score and Jameson Williams punctuates the game with his own touchdown.

Lions 35, Steelers 24

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