Both Detroit and Pittsburgh enter Sunday’s matchup knowing a win is critical as the playoff race tightens.
Last week’s results: Pittsburgh handled Miami 28-15, while Detroit came up short in a 41-34 shootout against the Los Angeles Rams.
Team Snapshots
Steelers offense:
Overall (27th), rushing (28th), passing (23rd), scoring (13th)
Steelers defense:
Overall (28th), run defense (19th), pass defense (27th), points allowed (18th)
Lions offense:
Overall (4th), rushing (5th), passing (3rd), scoring (1st)
Lions defense:
Overall (21st), run defense (13th), pass defense (24th), scoring defense (23rd)
Turnover margin:
Detroit +9, Pittsburgh +10
Key Skill Players
RB Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers
After spending much of his early career in Philadelphia as a situational player, Gainwell has developed into a full-time option. He has already posted career bests in total touches (150) and yards from scrimmage (783), and his 57 catches are the most on the team. Though Jaylen Warren is still listed as the starter, Gainwell’s explosiveness and receiving ability have made him a reliable engine for sustained drives.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions
Gibbs continues to be one of the league’s most dangerous weapons. He has found the end zone 47 times in 46 career games and is averaging 5.5 yards per carry this season with 1,100 rushing yards. His 1,594 total yards rank sixth in the NFL, and his efficiency per touch is among the league’s best. When opponents slow him down, Detroit’s play-action offense tends to lose rhythm.
Matchup to Watch
QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Detroit’s secondary
Rodgers has historically been comfortable at Ford Field. Early in his career, he won eight of his first 11 starts there, including the unforgettable 61-yard Hail Mary touchdown in 2015 that sealed a Green Bay win. That said, he hasn’t beaten Detroit since 2020, with losses in both 2021 and 2022.
Injury Report
Lions:
Detroit’s defensive backfield is severely depleted. Safety Brian Branch recently underwent surgery for a torn Achilles and is expected to miss most of the season. Fellow safety Kerby Joseph has not practiced while recovering from a knee injury. Cornerback Amik Robertson is battling a hand issue, and rookie Terrion Arnold remains on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. On offense, lineman Christian Mahogany (leg) was active in Wednesday’s walkthrough and may return.
Star linebacker T.J. Watt is likely to miss a second consecutive game following surgery for a partially collapsed lung. Nick Herbig may also be unavailable due to a hamstring injury, which would leave Alex Highsmith and rookie Jack Sawyer as the primary edge rushers. Guard Isaac Seumalo is nursing a triceps injury, cornerback James Pierre could miss another game with a calf issue, and rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is expected back after a knee injury.
This marks Detroit’s second game against Pittsburgh under head coach Dan Campbell and the first since Nov. 14, 2021 — a 16-16 tie that proved to be a turning point. The Lions entered that game winless at 0-8, but since then, they have gone 47-26.
Pittsburgh has dominated the recent series, posting a 5-0-1 record against Detroit since 2000 and winning Super Bowl XL at Ford Field. The Lions’ last victory over the Steelers came on Thanksgiving in 1998, a 19-16 overtime win remembered for a famous coin-flip mistake — and for being the final victory of Barry Sanders’ career.
Pittsburgh has rebounded from a midseason slump by winning two straight and now holds a one-game lead over Baltimore in the AFC North.
Mike Tomlin earned his 191st career victory last week, passing Dan Reeves for 10th on the NFL’s all-time wins list. Chuck Noll is next at 193.
A win or tie would secure Pittsburgh’s 22nd consecutive season without a losing record, breaking the Cowboys’ NFL record of 21 straight from 1965–85.
Rodgers owns an 18-8 career record against Detroit with 54 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, though the Lions swept him during his final season in Green Bay.
Over the past two games, Rodgers has completed 75% of his passes for 508 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
Pittsburgh is just 2-11 all-time when Watt does not play, though one of those wins came last week.
The Steelers are 42-29-1 following Monday Night Football appearances, including 12-7 on the road.
Detroit has not lost back-to-back regular-season games in 58 straight contests, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Jared Goff ranks among league leaders with 3,672 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, and he has not thrown an interception over the past two weeks.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams combined for 298 receiving yards and three touchdowns in last week’s loss.
Detroit has surrendered at least 30 points in three straight games, opening the door for Pittsburgh’s offense to capitalize. Gainwell and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf could be positioned for strong performances, and Rodgers has historically been productive in Detroit.
