Steel City Underground scouts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents each week of the 2025 NFL regular season ahead of the games to preview the upcoming matchup with a focus on key players, potential outcomes, news, and the latest social media chatter.
After 15 weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the Detroit Lions sit at 8-6, clinging to a slim playoff outlook with three games remaining. The Lions’ performance has been a mix of offensive explosiveness and defensive inconsistency, leading to a roller-coaster year under coach Dan Campbell. Detroit’s latest loss — a 41-34 defeat at the Los Angeles Rams — dropped momentum and underscored just how narrow the path to the postseason has become.
The Lions rank among the top offenses in the league thanks to a dynamic rushing attack and productive passing game, but defensive lapses and injuries have prevented sustained success. With rivals in the NFC North forging ahead — including the Bears (10-4) and Packers (9-4) — Detroit’s margin for error is vanishing.
Detroit’s Week 15 performance exposed both strengths and weaknesses. The offense generated significant yardage and found the end zone multiple times, but late defensive breakdowns allowed the Rams to rally for the win. Those trends have defined much of Detroit’s season: flashes of brilliance mixed with untimely lapses.
Detroit’s success in 2025 has been built on balanced offensive production, headlined by standout performances from running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and steady quarterback play from Jared Goff. According to team statistics, Gibbs leads the Lions with over 1,100 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, anchoring the ground game with explosive runs and consistent production. Fellow back David Montgomery has added more than 600 yards and eight scores, providing a complementary dimension.
In the passing attack, Goff has thrown for more than 3,600 yards with a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio, helping Detroit sustain drives and stretch defenses. St. Brown has been Goff’s primary target, surpassing 1,100 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, while Jameson Williams has chipped in with nearly 1,000 yards and seven scores, forming one of the NFC’s most dangerous receiver duos.
Defensively, edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad has been a disruptive force, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week (Dec. 10) honors after a three-sack performance and pacing the Lions’ pass rush. His tenacity opposite Aidan Hutchinson has kept Detroit competitive even when other defenders struggled to generate pressure.
But injuries have taken their toll. Safety depth is a concern after several players, including Kerby Joseph and Terrion Arnold, have spent time sidelined, and cornerback Amik Robertson left the Week 15 game with a hand injury and is questionable for Week 16.
Offensive tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) also did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, leaving questions about line continuity.
The loss of veteran center Frank Ragnow, who failed a physical attempting a late-season return, also limits offensive line options with leadership and experience missing in the trenches.
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Detroit’s Week 16 showdown against Pittsburgh presents contrasting challenges. The Lions will look to exploit the Steelers’ run defense with Gibbs and Montgomery, testing whether Pittsburgh can contain Detroit’s ground game — one of the Lions’s most consistent strengths. The Lions offensive line must maintain cohesion, especially with lingering injuries and adjustments to personnel.
Conversely, Pittsburgh’s pass rush presents a threat to Goff and Detroit’s protecting front. If T.J. Watt is limited or misses time, the onus will fall on role players to disrupt Detroit’s timing.
Aaron Rodgers’ experience and connection with his receivers could also stress Detroit’s secondary, already depleted by injuries and roster changes.
For Detroit, a loss could jeopardize playoff hopes and open the door for NFC North rivals to clinch with fewer games remaining. A win not only keeps Detroit in the postseason conversation but also boosts confidence heading into a season’s final stretch.
As Week 16 approaches, both teams face pivotal decisions about health, strategy and momentum. Detroit must balance urgency with execution, while Pittsburgh seeks to prove its mettle against a high-powered offense. Sunday’s matchup at Ford Field could have ripple effects across the playoff landscape.
