After the Pittsburgh Steelers gave their season new hope with their past two wins, they have a new lease on life heading into Week 16 of their campaign. Despite their ways to victory, many picks and predictions surrounding this matchup are not in their favor. They will hit the road to take on the formidable Detroit Lions. An NFC playoff contender that is desperate to hang onto its playoff dreams.
While the Steelers have shown positive signs over the past two games, there are still lingering concerns within the team.
Their offense remains inconsistent and can go silent at times. Their defense has shown signs of growth, but they have continued to rely on turnovers to help turn the tide. Things won't get any easier as Pittsburgh tries to put a chokehold on its AFC North division lead.
If Detroit wants a genuine chance at the playoffs, it has to win this game. In reality, the Steelers could afford to lose this week as long as they beat the Ravens in the final battle of the season. Failing to beat Baltimore could become paramount if they lose to the Lions this week or the Cleveland Browns next week.
Week 16 remains important for the Steelers, but the Lions are more desperate.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 16 Still Curtain predictions provide some blunt honesty
"The Steelers have come around and played a better brand of football this week. That said, this isn't the same Pittsburgh team that traditionally plays well against better teams. The Lions are a dynamic offense that can outpace the Steelers. " - Andrew Falce (Lions 31-20)
"The Steelers have looked much-improved over the past two weeks, winning critical conference games. The Lions, on the other hand, haven't been quite as dominant as past season, and really need this one to keep pace on the NFC side of the playoff bracket. I think at home, Detroit has more juice and will come out on top in a fun back-and-forth game." - Jacob Harrison (Lions 24-18)
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"The Pittsburgh Steelers have a difficult task this weekend in Detroit with a lot weighing on the line. Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf find a way to get things done with help from Kenneth Gainwell while Pittsburgh’s defense does their best to fend off the Lions offense." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 27-24)
"The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a mini-hot streak (which couldn't come at a better time). However, there's reason to believe they will come plummeting back down to earth this week. The Detroit Lions need this game more than the Steelers to keep their playoff hopes alive. This is a good team with their backs against the wall at home this week, and Pittsburgh will have a tough time matching up against players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jamison Williams." - Tommy Jaggi (Lions 34-23)
"As dominant as the Pittsburgh Steelers looked against the Miami Dolphins a week ago, the Detroit Lions are whole different beast. They are a nightmare matchup for a banged up Steelers defense with their explosive rushing attack and strong passing attack led by veteran QB Jared Goff. With the Lions also fighting for their playoff lives, I think Pittsburgh is soundly beaten on the road." - Shayne Kubas (Lions 35-20)
Final prediction: Steelers 23, Lions 31
Ever since they got blown out against the Buffalo Bills three weeks ago, the Steelers have found a way to rebound. It should come as no surprise that Mike Tomlin was able to reform his troops to remain relevant in the playoff race. That's something the organization and its fans have grown accustomed to.
Few care if they make the playoffs; they just want to win games once they're there.
When it comes to this matchup in Week 16, it's hard to pick the Steelers over the Lions. Since Detroit has emerged as a competitive team in recent years, its home-field advantage has become significant. While the Lions' defense has shown holes at times this season, their offense remains strong. They have shown bumps in the road, but Pittsburgh will find them challenging.
There could be several key pieces on the defensive side of the ball missing for the Steelers, which means the Lions' rushing attack could feast.
That would be an ugly situation for Pittsburgh's defense. They cannot afford to get behind in this game early, as it could lead to a bad result. The defense is playing well going into this game, but they must find a way to shut down the Lions' ground game.
The Steelers offense has shown signs of life, but they need a strong 60-minute performance to have a shot at winning.
Aaron Rodgers would love to defeat his former NFC North rival one last time, but it won't be easy. Expect Pittsburgh to keep this game tight, but Detroit will find ways to succeed enough on the ground to will their way to victory. It will be a reality check for the Steelers in Week 16.