Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions Pick & Prediction - 12/21/2025
Updated July 9, 2026
The Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers will square off on Sunday afternoon in a crucial Week 16 NFL contest. Both teams have identical records at 8‑6, setting up an important clash at Ford Field. The Lions, currently favored by bookmakers, are trying to climb into a playoff position in the NFC Wild Card race. Pittsburgh is in first place in the AFC North going into this week and will try to hold onto that spot with a win here. Before Sunday's action begins, you can find my Steelers vs Lions prediction right here.
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This Week 16 clash carries weight for both teams with their playoff hopes on the line. The Lions have been one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL, ranking near the top of the league in scoring and yardage. But their defense has given up 30 or more points in three straight games and they will need to be better to win this contest.
The Steelers have found success behind veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is playing through a wrist injury. Pittsburgh has won two straight games and they are holding off the Baltimore Ravens in the race to win the AFC North. But the Steelers could have trouble slowing down the Detroit offense without TJ Watt on the field to get after Goff.
The Lions have Jared Goff under center, who is producing one of his most efficient seasons in recent memory. Goff has thrown for well over 3,600 yards with close to 30 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions, showcasing an ability to manage the game and distribute the ball to reliable targets like Amon‑Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Detroit’s ground game has helped make things easier on Goff, as defenses can't just commit to stopping the pass.
For Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers remains the starter despite dealing with lingering discomfort from a fractured wrist. Rodgers’ experience and decision‑making will be vital if the Steelers intend to keep this contest close on the road against a team that can put up a ton of points. Still, being limited physically could curb Pittsburgh’s offensive upside.
Score Projection: Detroit Lions 30 – Pittsburgh Steelers 20
Win Probability: Detroit Lions 65%, Pittsburgh Steelers 35%
The Steelers have won two games in a row, but those wins came against a mediocre Ravens team and a Dolphins team whose season has been over for a long time. This will be a much tougher challenge for Pittsburgh and I'm expecting the Lions to cover the number in a game they need to win at home.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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