In a game that went down to the final play – and then included an extended conversation among officials – the Steelers held on to beat the Detroit Lions, 29-24, for their third consecutive win.
It was a statement win that kept the Steelers in first place in the AFC North Division with a 9-6 record.
The Steelers held off a last-second fourth-down pass by Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown at the one-yard line. An ensuing lateral and run by Goff for a touchdown was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty against St. Brown.
The play allowed the Steelers to hold off the Lions, who had rallied twice from 12-point leads, both leads courtesy of 45-yard touchdown runs by Jaylen Warren. The twin lightning strikes by Warren allowed him to finish with 143 yards on 14 carries to lead all rushers.
The Steelers held the vaunted Lions rushing game to 15 yards. Star Jahmyr Gibbs was held to 2 yards on 7 carries, and their other top rusher, David Montgomery, gained only 14 yards on 4 carries.
"A lot of their chunk plays come off a play-action pass," said Mike Tomlin, who secured his 200th career win, including regular and postseason, with the victory over the Lions. "And the runs have to be going to a certain degree for those things to be most effective. I really just think we rode the wave of our run stopping, which minimized the component that creates big plays for St. Brown and for them."
The Steelers got off to a promising start. After forcing a three-and-out by the Lions, Aaron Rodgers put the Steelers in Lions territory with an 18-yard pass to tight end Darnell Washington. It set up Chris Boswell's 59-yard field goal and a 3-0 lead with 9:21 left in the first quarter.
The Lions followed with a long drive that ended at the Pittsburgh 3, thanks to a Steelers goal-line stand. On first-and-goal at the 4, Derrick Harmon held Gibbs to a 1-yard gain, and Jack Sawyer followed by tackling Gibbs in the backfield for a 3-yard loss. On third down, Sawyer stopped St. Brown on a forward flip pass out of the backfield. And on fourth-and-goal at the 3, Goff faked a handoff, rolled right under pressure by DT Esezi Otomewo, and threw to St. Brown at the goal line. The pass was broken up by Joey Porter Jr. and the Steelers gained possession, holding onto their 3-0 lead.
The Lions knotted the score on their next possession with a 36-yard field goal by Jake Bates. Two tackles-for-loss by Alex Highsmith helped keep the Lions to only a field goal and 3-3 tie with 10:10 left in the half.
The Lions scored the game's first touchdown on a 20-yard pass to rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa for a 10-3 lead with 1:55 left in the half. The pass down the left seam split safeties Chuck Clark and Kyle Dugger in the end zone for the score.
Kenneth Gainwell tied the score with 45-yard touchdown catch late in the half on an improbable play that will be part of Steelers highlight reels for years.
While running under Rodgers' pass down the right sideline, Gainwell was thrown to the ground by defending linebacker Alex Anazalone. While on the ground, Gainwell caught the pass near the 20. Untouched, Gainwell got up and ran into the end zone to complete the score with 0:02 left in the half. The shocking play sent the teams to their locker rooms at halftime tied 10-10.
"It was huge, and we knew that was a matchup that we wanted," Tomlin said. "They never go dime, and it really is a tip of the cap to the quality players those 'backers are. But we like Kenny versus those guys, and thankfully we were ale to get that matchup at a significant moment and he is deserving of all the credit. I mean, what an incredible play."
The Steelers took the lead with another improbable play, this time a safety by blitzing strong safety Dugger.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Special teams during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Special teams during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Chuck Clark (21) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4), Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30), Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Chuck Clark (21) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, MI. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The play was set up by a fumble by Washington that ended a Steelers drive at the Detroit 3. But on third-and-8 from his own 5, Goff took the snap in the end zone and couldn't elude Dugger's blitz through the Lions' left side. Dugger's tackle of the QB in the end zone gave the Steelers a 12-10 with 9:42 left in the third quarter.
After the safety, the Steelers retained possession and put together a 17-play field goal drive that took 9:44 off the clock. The long drive was continued by a fourth-and-2 pass to Scottie Miller for 7, a third-and-4 pass to Miller for 9, and a fourth-and-1 fake handoff to Gainwell for 8. Boswell's 23-yard field goal gave the Steelers a 15-10 lead with 14:58 to play.
would've enjoyed a touchdown, but that's the component of complementary ball. You support one another. That's what you do. Don't forget, on the front end of that we turned the ball over going in. And that's what complementary football is about. It's not only about complementing the good, it's about standing up and minimizing the negative."
The Steelers forced a three-and-out, got the ball back, and blew their lead up to 12 with a touchdown. Warren, running behind the jumbo package with Washington and third tackle Spencer Anderson on the left, broke through the left side for his first 45-yard touchdown run. It was Warren's longest run since 2023 and gave the Steelers a 22-10 lead with 12:23 remaining.
The Lions answered quickly. On fourth-and-2 from the Pittsburgh 27, Goff hit Kalif Raymond on a short crosser. Asante Samuel Jr. dove but missed Raymond, who ran the rest of the way for a 27-yard touchdown catch. The score cut the Steelers' lead to 22-17 with 8:39 remaining.
But Warren struck again on his next carry. And again, it was a 45-yard touchdown run through the left side.
A 20-yard back-shoulder pass to DK Metcalf by Rodgers set up the play. It erased a first-and-20 and put the ball at the Detroit 45. Warren took the next handoff, cut back to the left -- this time the weak side -- and used a critical block by Metcalf to break off the second 45-yard touchdown run. This one gave the Steelers a 29-17 lead with 6:41 to play. It also put Warren over the 100-yard mark for the game.
"Guys were winning the line of scrimmage," Tomlin said of Warren's two 45-yard TD strikes. "Just look at the blocks on those plays, man. On the second one, what a block by DK on the perimeter to finish it. From my vantage point, it just looked like guys were blocked, and that's awesome."
The Lions refused to quit. They drove 68 yards in 2:30 for another touchdown, this one with a fourth-and-goal, 4-yard pass to Gibbs out of the backfield. It once again cut the lead to five, 29-24, this time with 4:11 to play.
Rodgers drove the Steelers to the Detroit 18, but Boswell hit the right upright and missed a 37-yard field goal attempt. The Lions regained possession at the Pittsburgh 27 with 2:05 to play and didn't quit until the officials ruled the final play offensive pass interference.
The Steelers outgained the Lions, 481-361, outrushed them, 230-15, and held the time-of-possession advantage 34:06 to 25:54.
In continuing his exceptional play down the stretch of the regular season, Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards, and a touchdown without turning the ball over. His passer rating was 92.1.
"It's this time of year," Tomlin said. "It's why I love it. If you're a competitor, you run to this stuff. And I think we've got a collection of competitors."
