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Expert prediction

NFL Week 16: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions Preview, Odds, Picks (Dec 21)

  • Nikola Velickovic
  • Dec 17, 2025 at 4:15 PM EST

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • Steelers vs. Lions total is 51.5
  • The TOTAL went OVER in 6 of the Lions’ last 7 games.
  • Steelers allow 363.3 total yards per game, 5th most in the NFL.

Both the Steelers and the Lions are in a must-win situation here; otherwise, the playoffs are gone.

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How to Watch

  • When: Sunday, December 21, 4:25 pm ET
  • Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
  • How to Watch: CBS

Steelers vs. Lions Odds

TeamMoneylineSpreadTotals
Steelers+260+751.5
Lions-325-751.5

Game Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers dominated against the Dolphins on Monday Night Football, winning 28-15. This was their second win in a row, which is a great boost after a couple of losses prior to it.

Aaron Rodgers had 224 passing yards for two touchdown passes. Though after a while, the Steelers’ run game gave results, with them racking up 135 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

The Lions lost to the Rams in LA, 41-34, in a high-octane game where the hosts had more juice in the end. While Jared Goff threw for 338 passing yards and three touchdowns, the rushers failed to show up.

Jahmyr Gibbs had 38 and David Montgomery 32 with one touchdown. Overall, 70 yards on the ground is way too low for this event, especially if the defense allows 519 total yards on the other side.

Steelers vs. Lions Head to Head

After 33 games, the Steelers lead 17-14, and two matches ended without winners. Pittsburgh won 9 of the last 11 meetings, with the most recent in 2021 ending with a tie.

Steelers vs. Lions Predictions

This game promises points, and OVER 50.5 is an excellent choice. As you can see, the Steelers’ defense allows too many yards per game, which eventually forced us to pick this bet.

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