Playoff Implications on the Line as Steelers Visit Lions DETROIT (Interstat) — A critical late-season matchup with clear playoff implications awaits when the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) visit the Detroit Lions (8-6) at Ford Field on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. Both teams sit squarely in the postseason hunt and enter with identical records, making this interconference clash a potential tiebreaker. The Steelers arrive riding a two-game winning streak, fueled by the resurgence of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In Pittsburgh’s 28-15 victory over Miami on Monday, Rodgers was efficient, completing 23 of 27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Over his last two games, both wins, he has thrown for 508 yards and three scores without an interception. The running back duo of Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren provides balance, combining for 113 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards last week. Detroit looks to rebound from a high-scoring 41-34 road loss to the Los Angeles Rams, a game in which their defense struggled. Quarterback Jared Goff has been prolific, throwing for 338 yards and three touchdowns in that defeat. In his last four outings, Goff has averaged 295.5 passing yards per game with eight total touchdowns, keeping the Lions’ offense among the league’s most productive. Despite the Lions’ home-field advantage and offensive firepower, oddsmakers have installed the Steelers as a 7-point favorite. The over/under is set at 52.5 points. A statistical projection from National Statistical forecasts a close contest, predicting a 26-21 victory for Detroit. The stakes are elevated for both sides. Pittsburgh aims to solidify its AFC wild card standing before closing the season with divisional games against Cleveland and Baltimore. Detroit, locked in a tight NFC North race, faces a short week ahead with a trip to Minnesota on Christmas Day. Sunday’s result will significantly alter the playoff picture for either contender. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on CBS.