Welcome to our Week 16 coverage of Sunday's showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions in a game that will have major playoff implications.
After five losses over a seven-game span, Pittsburgh (8-6) has re-gained control of the AFC North following consecutive wins over the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. The Steelers' recent wins have included vintage performances from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has an 18-8 career record against the Lions. In his last two games, Rodgers has completed 75.4% of his passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
After a 5-2 start, the Lions are just 3-4 since their Week 8 bye are are currently 1.5 games behind the Green Bay Packers for the NFC's seventh and final playoff spot. Detroit's defense has especially struggled after surrendering 31, 30 and 41 points in its last three games, respectively. The Lions still have one of the league's best offenses, though, as Detroit is currently No. 1 in the NFL with a 30.6 points per game average.
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 game.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pittsburgh defers to the second half, so the Lions and the league's top-ranked scoring offense will take the field first.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to our live coverage of today's huge game between the Steelers and Lions. We'll be providing updates throughout the day, starting with both teams' inactives which will be out shortly.
