The Pittsburgh Steelers had everything go their way in week 16.
Pittsburgh defeated the Detroit Lions in one of the wildest games of the 2025-26 NFL season. Later on, they got some massive help from the New England Patriots as they defeated the Baltimore Ravens.
For the Steelers, the game against the Lions was stressful for their fans. At half, the game was 10-10, thanks to a ridiculous catch by Kenneth Gainwell that went for 45 yards and a TD. Here is the play.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME KG 😱 @KENNETHGAINWEL
📺: #PITvsDET on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/tIObyBYuvZ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2025
In the third quarter, the Steelers completely dominated the time of possession, but only managed two points, via a safety. This was because Pittsburgh was driving, but Darnell Washington fumbled inside Detroit’s five-yard line. Pittsburgh got a safety on Detroit’s drive that started at their own five-yard line.
After the safety and entering the fourth quarter, the Steelers had to settle for a field goal inside Detroit’s five-yard line to make it 15-10 Steelers. On the next drive, the Lions went three and out, throwing three straight incompletions.
Pittsburgh got the ball, and Jaylen Warren broke off a 45-yard rushing TD to make it 22-10. Detroit got the ball and scored a quick TD in three minutes to make it 22-17 Steelers with 8:45 remaining in the fourth.
The Steelers got the ball back, and once again, Jaylen Warren broke off another 45-yard rushing TD to make it 29-17. Detroit scored a TD with 4:11 left in the fourth to make it 29-24, Pittsburgh. The Steelers drove but did not take enough time off. They had to attempt a 37-yard field goal with 2:09 remaining, but Boswell uncharacteristically missed.
This led to one of the most chaotic final drives imaginable. Pittsburgh had Detroit at 3rd and 13, but Goff completed an 11-yard pass. On fourth and 2, the refs called PI on Kyle Duggar. The flags came in late. It appeared the game was over, but the refs said not so fast. On the next play, the refs called tripping on Pittsburgh, which did not appear intentional.
On first and goal at Pittsburgh’s one, Detroit committed pass interference. It came down to a 4th & goal at Pittsburgh’s nine-yard line. Goff threw it to Amon-Ra St. Brown, he caught it short of the goal line, tossed it back to Goff, and Goff scored. However, offensive pass interference was called on St. Brown with no time left, and the Steelers held on to win a crazy game, 29-24.
A wild way to end Week 16's late slate pic.twitter.com/UiDrdxYhzp
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025
Steelers Win, Ravens Lose: AFC North Playoff Scenario
With the Steelers defeating the Lions and the Ravens falling to the Patriots, this has given the Steelers a massive edge to win the AFC North.
For the Steelers to win the division in week 17, they need to beat Cleveland or have Baltimore lose against the Packers.
Baltimore needs to win and hope the Steelers lose to Cleveland in week 17 to make the Ravens-Steelers matchup in week 18 for the division.
Everything went Pittsburgh’s way in week 16. Lamar Jackson got injured against the Patriots in week 16 and did not return. It is currently unknown if he will be able to suit up against the Packers in week 17.
DK Metcalf Could Face Suspension
DK Metcalf got into an altercation with a fan during the game. Here is what occurred:
DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025
On Nightcap with Ocho and Shannon Sharpe, Ocho says it wasn’t random. He heard it directly from Metcalf that the fan used a racial slur and disrespected Metcalf’s mother.
Unc and Ocho react to DK Metcalf’s altercation with a fan. Ocho says it wasn’t random. He heard it directly from DK. A racial slur was used and his mother was disrespected.@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco #Nightcap pic.twitter.com/m6M7fOTJ2y
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) December 22, 2025
The NFL will need to investigate the matter and decide whether to suspend Metcalf or just fine him for the altercation.
Will The Steelers Finally Win A Playoff Game?
First things first, and they still need to take care of business and clinch the division. While the Packers can do them the favor before the Steelers even play in week 17, Pittsburgh still may have to defeat Cleveland to win the division. While the Browns are not a good team, it is a division contest, and in those games, anything can happen.
The defense will need to continue to play at this level. They have shown up big in three straight games, against the Ravens, Dolphins, and Lions.
The offense has also improved in the last three games. Rodgers is playing better, and the ground attack is getting going.
Pittsburgh is getting going at the right time, which is a complete change from the last few years.
Still, they are in for a tough matchup, whether they have to face the Bills, Chargers, or Texans. The Bills and Chargers both destroyed the Steelers earlier in the season. Buffalo would be the worst possible matchup for Pittsburgh in the wild-card round, as Josh Allen is playing like the best QB in the league. James Cook took the Steelers defense to town in their matchup.
For the Steelers to win a playoff game, it highly depends on the matchup. Against Buffalo, the chances are not good at all. If they wind up playing the Texans or Chargers, the chances are a bit better, but still very tough.
The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016 and will need to continue to play at this level on offense and defense if they want to break their playoff drought.
