Lions vs. Steelers live updates: Detroit hosts Pittsburgh in a game with huge NFL playoff implications

Detroit is on the outside of the NFC playoff picture, while Pittsburgh hopes to maintain its lead in the AFC North

In a game with major playoff implications, the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers were deadlocked at halftime during their Week 16 tilt. 

Pittsburgh started and ended the half with scores. Trailing late in the first half, the Steelers tied the score at 10 when Kenny Gainwell scored an improbable, 45-yard touchdown on a pass thrown by Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers went 14 of 24 for 141 yards in the first half, but he endured two sacks by Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. 

Trailing 3-0 after one quarter, Detroit scored 10 unanswered points in the second quarter that included Jared Goff's go-ahead touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa with 2:07 left in the first half. The touchdown pass was part of a big first half for Goff, who threw for 162 yards on 15 of 20 passing. Goff's passing made up for a Lions running game that gained just 18 yards on 11 carries. 

The first half also included a heated moment involving DK Metcalf, who threw a punch at a Lions fan. The sequence was part of a forgettable first half for Metcalf, who caught just one pass on six targets. 

Pittsburgh (8-6) is trying to maintain its lead over second-place Baltimore in the AFC North standings, while Detroit (8-6) needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. 

Which team will come out on top? To find out, follow along in our live blog below, where we'll be providing updates, highlights and analysis throughout the second half. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:31 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

The Steelers use "The Spartan" for the first time today and it results in a first down by Gainwell. Steelers are  now goal to go. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:29 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Scotty Miller makes another big catch -- this one on third-down -- as the Steelers are now back in the red zone. Miller has three catches on this drive after having just one catch entering today. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:27 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Rodgers hits Scotty Miller for a first down on fourth-and-2. That's just Miller's second grab of the year. The Steelers are now 4 of 4 on fourth down over their past two games and are now in FG range with 6:00 left in the third quarter and leading 12-10. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:23 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Rodgers heaves a bomb to Marquez Valdes-Scantling that he just missed catching that would have extended the Steelers' lead. Rodgers threw that about 60 yards in the air with no issue. MVS is going to the tent after falling hard on the play. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:19 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Despite the turnover, the Steelers get points off of a safety by safety Kyle Dugger, who has been a huge in-season addition for Pittsburgh's defense. The Steelers will now get the ball back via a free kick. They also have a 12-10 lead early in the second half. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:14 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Detroit appeared to jar the ball loose just before Darnell Washington hit the ground on a short pass from Rodgers inside the Lions' 10-yard-line. Rodgers tried to get off a quick snap, but the officials stepped in just before he could get a snap off. 

Barring something unexpected, this call will be overruled and the Lions will take possession after recording the game's first turnover. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:12 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

A clutch completion from Rodgers to Thielen sets up a 21-yard run by Jaylen Warren, as the Steelers are in the red zone for the first time. Pittsburgh's offense has found its rhythm over its last two series. Rodgers has looked extremely comfortable running the Steelers' offense over the past three games. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:08 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Since they deferred, the Steelers get a chance to bookend the half with scores after getting a TD at the end of the first half. Steelers come out with consecutive runs after having less than 10 rushing attempts in the first half. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 6:00 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Score: 10-10
First downs: Lions, 10-8
Third down: Steelers 5-9, Lions 3-7
4th down: Lions 0-1
Total yards: Lions, 167-158
TOP: Lions, 16:11

Rodgers: 14/24, 141 yards, TD, 2 sacks
Goff: 15/20, 162 yards, TD, 2 sacks
Steelers: 32 yards on six carries
Lions: 18 yards on 11 carries 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:51 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Rodgers heaves a deep pass that initially appeared to be incomplete but Gainwell snares it in and races for a 45-yard, game-tying touchdown that makes it a 10-10 game with two seconds left until halftime. 

Pittsburgh's leading receiver, Gainwell is making a serious case to be the team's MVP along with Rodgers. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:45 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Rodgers hits Adam Thielen for 12 yards as the Steelers convert again on third down through the air. Steelers trying to cut into their 10-3 deficit before halftime. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:42 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Goff hits Isaac TeSlaa for a 20-yard scoring strike with 1:55 left in the first half. Goff has had a big half with 162 yards on 15 of 20 passing. His passing has made up for a running game that has gained just 19 yards on 10 carries. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:39 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

DK Metcalf got into a scuffle with a fan just moments ago. He's still on the field, but he will surely receive a punishment from the NFL at some point. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:27 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Hutchinson's second sack leads to another Steelers three-and-out. This time, Hutchinson worked 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu with a spin move before getting to Rodgers. 

Lions will have a chance to take their first lead with just over four minutes left until halftime.

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:22 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Lions fans not happy with what they've seen from the offense so far. Lions go three-and-out on a drive that started with a Cam Heyward sack of Goff. 

I know the Lions' offense is struggling with injuries, but this is the best the Steelers' defense has looked this year. A big reason is the health of the secondary and the continued growth of Jalen Ramsey in his new position at FS. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:16 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Odd sequence as the Steelers throw and complete three straight passes that gain just seven yards. Pittsburgh didn't attempt a single running play despite picking up 32 yards on seven carries on its first two drives. 

A positive for Pittsburgh, though, is that it pinned the Lions back on their 15-yard-line after Ben Skowronek drilled Kalif Raymond for no gain following a 50-yard punt. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:10 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Lions settle for three after Alex Highsmith blows two running plays up and Goff misfires on consecutive passes. The Lions have run for just 10 yards on eight carries, with Highsmith being a big reason why. It's also notable to point out that the Steelers have rookie (and Michigan native) Derrick Harmon back in the lineup after he missed the last three games with an injury. Pittsburgh's run defense has been much more effective with him in the lineup. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers looked to be on their way to another score following an 18-yard run by Gainwell. But a negative run by Gainwell and consecutive incompletions from Rodgers forced Pittsburgh to punt. 

Arthur Smith has yet to get into a groove with his play calling. Steelers offense has looked somewhat predictable so far with their running plays. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 4:54 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Rodgers hits Calvin Austin III on the outside for an eight-yard gain on third-and-5. Pittsburgh's passing attack has been efficient so far. That's Rodgers' second third-down conversion of the game after he hit Washington for 18 yards on Pittsburgh's first drive. 

Steelers take a 3-0 lead into the second quarter. Pittsburgh has the lead despite having the ball for less than six minutes in the opening quarter. Detroit's second drive took nearly half the quarter, but it came up empty after Pittsburgh's goal line stand. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 4:49 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Lions get turned back on fourth down as Goff's pass is broken up by Joey Porter Jr. The drive started to go downhill after Jack Sawyer -- starting in place of Nick Herbig -- stuffed Jahmyr Gibbs for -3 yards on second and goal. Sawyer then tackled Amon-Ra St. Brown short of the end zone one play later. 

Detroit didn't score, but Goff is nonetheless off to a good start with 57 yards on 7 of 9 passing. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 4:42 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Goff hits Raymond on a short completion on third-and-12 and Raymond does the rest, racing downfield and getting the necessary yards for a first down. Big play early on for the Lions. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 4:37 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Despite a sack by Aidan Hutchinson, the Steelers' score on their first drive as Chris Boswell drills a 59-yard field goal, the second-longest FG of his 11-year career. 

Somewhat of a surprise, the Steelers threw five times and ran the ball only twice on their initial drive. Rodgers was 2 of 5 for 23 yards that included his 18-yard strike to Washington on third down. Warren and Gainwell combined to gain 16 yards on two carries. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 4:33 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers convert the game's first third-down conversion on an 18-yard strike from Rodgers to big tight end Darnell Washington. Pittsburgh has moved with considerable ease on its opening drive, both on the ground and in the air. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 4:29 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

A sack by defensive lineman Keeanu Benton on second down short-circuited the game's first drive. Pittsburgh taking early advantage of the Lions' issues on the offensive line. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 4:24 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Pittsburgh defers to the second half, so the Lions and the league's top-ranked scoring offense will take the field first. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 4:06 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Pittsburgh has had a lot of success this season running "The Spartan," which is their version of the Eagles' "Tush Push." The Steelers were 3-3 on fourth down Monday night vs. the Dolphins, largely because of "The Spartan." Given Detroit's affinity to go for it on fourth down, that may turn out to be a key factor in who wins today's game. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 3:48 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Aaron Rodgers has faced the Lions 26 times over his future Hall of Fame career. He has an 18-8 record vs. the Lions, but he lost his last start against them which was ultimately his final game with the Packers. One of his highlights vs. Detroit was his game-winning, 61-yard touchdown pass in Detroit in 2015. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 3:26 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

If the Lions win, they'll get to within a half-game of the Packers for the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoffs. If Detroit losses, that'll will make it nearly impossible for the Lions to make the postseason. 

If the Steelers win, they'll stretch their lead in the AFC North to 1.5 games over the Ravens, who will host the Patriots tonight. If the Steelers win and the Ravens lose their next two games, Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North prior to next Sunday's game against the Browns. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 3:11 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

As you can see, the Lions are reeling in terms of their health on the offensive line, specifically at guard. Expect the Steelers to try to exploit this with a health does of blitzes. 

[Dec 21, 2025 at 3:04 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Surprised that Kaleb Johnson is a healthy scratch given the fact that he's the Steelers' third-string RB. Pittsburgh's RB depth will be definitely tested if either Jaylen Warren or Kenneth Gainwell are injured today. 

With Herbig and Watt out, Jack Sawyer will make his first career start. Spencer Anderson will start for Seumalo at LG.