The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Detroit for a pivotal Week 16 clash against the 8-6 Lions, both teams vying for playoff positioning. With key injuries on both sides, national media heavily favors the Lions, picking them in 15 of 16 predictions. The game at Ford Field kicks off at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday.
Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions enter Week 16 with identical 8-6 records, but their playoff paths differ sharply. Pittsburgh holds an 84 percent chance of making the postseason, compared to Detroit's 19 percent, per analytics. The Lions, backed into a corner, face a must-win scenario at home against a Steelers defense depleted by injuries.
The Steelers will be without edge rusher T.J. Watt (lung), who underwent surgery after a treatment mishap, and guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps), both ruled out. Cornerback James Pierre (calf) is also sidelined, his second straight absence. Nick Herbig (hamstring) is doubtful despite limited practice Friday, paving the way for rookie Jack Sawyer to make his first NFL start opposite Alex Highsmith. Center Zach Frazier (triceps) returned to practice and carries no game status, expected to play. Tight end Darnell Washington, a 311-pound 'unicorn' per Lions coach Dan Campbell, adds a matchup nightmare with his blocking and receiving prowess—26 catches for 313 yards and a touchdown this season.
Detroit's injury woes center on their secondary and offensive line. Safety Kerby Joseph (knee) is out, joining Terrion Arnold and Brian Branch on IR, leaving a patchwork unit with Avonte Maddox and possibly Damontae Kazee starting. Cornerback Amik Robertson (hand) is questionable after limited practice, while center Graham Glasgow (knee) and tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest) are also in doubt. Guard Christian Mahogany (fibula) is questionable returning from IR.
Key matchups include Sawyer versus All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell (95.8 PFF grade, one sack allowed) and Lions receiver Jameson Williams (374 yards, two TDs last three games) against Steelers corner Joey Porter Jr., who has locked down opponents lately. Lions coach Dan Campbell praised Washington: 'He's a big man... a load. And you can see his length, man. He engulfs guys in the run game.' Steelers insider Mark Kaboly sees an edge for Detroit's run game, predicting Jahmyr Gibbs to break a long run against the thinned front.
National media leans heavily toward the Lions, with only Marcas Grant picking Pittsburgh (28-20); the rest forecast scores like Lions 31-21 (Bucky Brooks) and 33-7 (Pete Prisco). Former Steelers corner Joe Haden advised Sawyer: 'Do your job... You're not gonna be Watt.' The Steelers' easier remaining schedule offers hope, but this road test looms large.
