The Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions faced off in Detroit in a critical Week 16 matchup. The Steelers are trying to hold off the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, while the Lions are trying to stay alive in a crowded NFC North.
Unfortunately for Lions fans, the game did not go as well as they had hoped. The Steelers’ defense was smothering, and the Lions’ offense looked out of sync for the majority of the game. As a result, fans and media took to social media to share their surprise at the Lions’ poor play.
NFL Fans, Media Roast Lions, Praise Steelers for Week 16 Performance
The Steelers thrillingly won the game with a scoreline of 29-24. Although the score was close in the end, much of the game was dictated by Pittsburgh.
The Lions were held scoreless in the first and third quarters. The Steeler defense sacked Jared Goff in the end zone for a safety in the third quarter and had three total sacks halfway through the fourth.
The Lions’ run game was also a non-factor. Late in the fourth quarter, the Lions had 11 carries for just 18 yards as a team. This was a surprising development considering the Lions’ impressive two-headed monster at running back featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Entering this game, the Lions had an 83.3 grade from PFSN’s Offense Impact ranking. The lack of the unit’s effectiveness goes to show the improvement the Steelers have made in recent weeks.
Famed personality Skip Bayless let his feelings be known on the game, saying the Steelers had “caught fire.”
I didn’t see this coming: The Pittsburgh Steelers have suddenly caught fire.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 21, 2025
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, but the team appears to be getting hot at the perfect time. Entering Week 16, the Steelers had won two games in a row.
Another fan joked that the Steelers were “taking the soul of the Detroit Lions,” and said it is now just the “same old Lions.”
The Steelers taking the soul of the Detroit Lions on a Sunday in December
Old Brand Steelers, Same Old Lions.
— Football (@BostonConnr) December 21, 2025
Meanwhile, another fan criticized the Lions for such a “disappointing performance” in a “must-win game.”
For a MUST WIN game for this Detroit Lions team…
Win or lose, this is such a disappointing performance.
— Booner (@boonersports) December 21, 2025
With a loss, the Lions would fall to 8-7 on the season and would have three losses in their last four games.
Lions Now in Danger of Missing Playoffs
The Lions, at one point, seemed like a lock to make the playoffs. The team got out to a 5-2 start this season, but has gone just 3-5 since then. They are now 8-7 on the season, and could potentially miss the playoffs.
The Lions have two games remaining, with one against the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears. They now need to win their final two games and likely require some help from other teams to qualify for the postseason.
The divisional rival Green Bay Packers will be a team the Lions battle for the final playoff spot. The Packers are 9-5-1 and have games remaining against the Baltimore Ravens and the Vikings. The Packers have already swept the season series with the Lions.
The Bears improved to 11-4 with a win over the Packers in Week 16, and PFSN’s Football Playoff Meter now gives the team an 88.4% chance to win the division.
