The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions 29–24 on December 21, 2025, in a dramatic Week 16 NFL matchup at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Pittsburgh combined explosive rushing plays, efficient passing, and a crucial defensive safety to secure the five-point victory. Detroit produced more passing yards, but the Steelers gained more total yards and controlled possession for longer.
The game featured standout performances from Jaylen Warren, Aaron Rodgers, Jared Goff, and Kenneth Gainwell. Warren scored two 45-yard rushing touchdowns, while Gainwell contributed as both a runner and receiver. Goff threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns, keeping Detroit in contention until the final seconds.
This article covers the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions match player stats, the complete box score, passing and rushing performances, receiving leaders, defensive highlights, and the key moments that decided the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions Match Overview
The Steelers entered the matchup looking to strengthen their position late in the regular season, while the Lions aimed to protect their home field. Both teams showed offensive potential, but Pittsburgh proved more effective at turning its opportunities into points.
<escape>Game details</escape>
- Match: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions
- Date: December 21, 2025
- NFL season: 2025, Week 16
- Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- Final score: Pittsburgh Steelers 29, Detroit Lions 24
- Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
- Game status: Final
Pittsburgh scored 10 points in the first half, matching Detroit’s 10. The Steelers then added two points through a safety in the third quarter and scored 17 points in the fourth quarter. Detroit responded with 14 fourth-quarter points, but its late comeback attempt fell short.
The final score reflected a game in which Pittsburgh’s ground attack and possession management were especially important. Detroit’s passing offense generated impressive numbers, but its running game struggled to produce consistent yardage.
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Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions Final Box Score
The final box score shows Pittsburgh’s advantage in total offense and time of possession, despite Detroit recording more passing yards.
| Team statistic | Pittsburgh Steelers | Detroit Lions |
| Final score | 29 | 24 |
| Total yards | 481 | 361 |
| Passing yards | 266 | 364 |
| Rushing yards | 215 | 15 |
| Total plays | 70 | 69 |
| Yards per play | 6.9 | 5.2 |
| Third-down conversion rate | 50% | 40% |
| Time of possession | 34:06 | 25:54 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
Pittsburgh gained 120 more total yards than Detroit and averaged 1.7 more yards per play. The Steelers also held the ball for more than eight additional minutes, helping them sustain drives and limit Detroit’s offensive opportunities.
Detroit’s passing attack was productive, but its rushing output was extremely limited. Pittsburgh’s ability to run the football effectively created a major difference between the teams, particularly in the second half.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Summary
The scoring pattern explains how Pittsburgh built its advantage and then survived Detroit’s late push.
| Quarter | Steelers | Lions |
| First quarter | 3 | 0 |
| Second quarter | 7 | 10 |
| Third quarter | 2 | 0 |
| Fourth quarter | 17 | 14 |
| Final | 29 | 24 |
First Quarter: Pittsburgh Takes the Lead
Chris Boswell opened the scoring with a 59-yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh a 3–0 lead. The kick demonstrated his range and put the Steelers ahead after an early offensive possession.
Detroit moved the ball into scoring territory later in the quarter, but Pittsburgh’s defense stopped the drive on fourth down. The Lions finished the opening quarter without scoring, allowing the Steelers to maintain their narrow advantage.
Second Quarter: Both Teams Find the End Zone
Jake Bates tied the game with a 36-yard field goal for Detroit. Jared Goff then connected with rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa for a 20-yard touchdown, putting the Lions ahead 10–3.
Pittsburgh answered just before halftime. Aaron Rodgers threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Kenneth Gainwell, and Boswell’s extra point tied the score at 10–10.
The touchdown was an important response because it prevented Detroit from carrying a halftime lead into the locker room.
Third Quarter: A Crucial Defensive Safety
The third quarter produced no touchdowns or field goals, but Pittsburgh still moved ahead. Kyle Dugger sacked Goff in the Detroit end zone, resulting in a safety and giving the Steelers a 12–10 lead.
A safety is worth two points and also gives the scoring team possession of the ball through a free kick. This play changed the score while highlighting Pittsburgh’s ability to create pressure in a critical area of the field.
Fourth Quarter: Warren Delivers Two Explosive Touchdowns
Boswell added a 23-yard field goal to extend Pittsburgh’s lead to 15–10. Warren then broke free for a 45-yard rushing touchdown, increasing the advantage to 22–10.
Detroit responded when Goff connected with Kalif Raymond for a 27-yard touchdown. However, Warren scored another 45-yard rushing touchdown, pushing Pittsburgh ahead 29–17.
Goff found Jahmyr Gibbs for a four-yard touchdown, bringing Detroit within five points at 29–24. The Lions had additional opportunities in the closing moments, but penalties and unsuccessful plays prevented them from completing the comeback.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Player Stats
Pittsburgh’s victory was built on an effective rushing attack, a solid passing performance, and timely contributions from its defense.
Aaron Rodgers Passing Stats
Aaron Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards and one touchdown. He threw no interceptions and finished with a 92.1 passer rating.
| Passing statistic | Aaron Rodgers |
| Completions/Attempts | 27/41 |
| Passing yards | 266 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer rating | 92.1 |
Rodgers helped Pittsburgh maintain offensive balance throughout the game. His most important scoring pass came late in the second quarter, when he found Gainwell for a 45-yard touchdown to tie the score.
Although Rodgers did not match Goff’s passing yardage, he avoided interceptions and helped Pittsburgh sustain long possessions. His passing game also created opportunities for Warren to attack Detroit’s defense on the ground.
Jaylen Warren Rushing Stats
Jaylen Warren was Pittsburgh’s leading offensive performer. He rushed 14 times for 143 yards, averaged 10.2 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns.
| Rushing statistic | Jaylen Warren |
| Carries | 14 |
| Rushing yards | 143 |
| Average per carry | 10.2 |
| Longest run | 45 yards |
| Rushing touchdowns | 2 |
Warren’s two 45-yard touchdown runs were among the defining plays of the game. Both scores gave Pittsburgh important separation at a time when Detroit was attempting to close the gap.
His 143 rushing yards also demonstrated Pittsburgh’s ability to create explosive plays without relying exclusively on the passing game. Warren averaged more than 10 yards per carry, making his performance particularly efficient.
Kenneth Gainwell’s All-Around Performance
Kenneth Gainwell contributed in both the running and passing games. He recorded 50 rushing yards on nine carries and caught five passes for 78 yards and one touchdown.
| Gainwell statistic | Total |
| Rushing attempts | 9 |
| Rushing yards | 50 |
| Receptions | 5 |
| Receiving yards | 78 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 1 |
| Total rushing and receiving yards | 128 |
Gainwell’s 45-yard touchdown reception tied the game immediately before halftime. His receiving contribution gave Rodgers a reliable option and forced Detroit to account for the running back away from the line of scrimmage.
With 128 combined rushing and receiving yards, Gainwell was one of Pittsburgh’s most productive offensive players. His versatility complemented Warren’s explosive rushing performance.
Other Steelers Receiving Leaders
Adam Thielen caught four passes for 49 yards, while D.K. Metcalf recorded four receptions for 42 yards. Both contributed to Pittsburgh’s passing attack, although neither scored a receiving touchdown in this game.
Donovan Smith and other supporting offensive players also helped Pittsburgh sustain drives, while the offensive line created opportunities for Warren to find open running lanes. The team’s 481 total yards reflected contributions from multiple parts of the offense rather than one player alone.
Detroit Lions Player Stats
Detroit relied heavily on its passing game to stay competitive. Jared Goff threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns, but the Lions struggled to establish a productive ground attack. Their offensive output was not enough to overcome Pittsburgh’s more balanced performance.
Jared Goff Passing Stats
Goff completed 34 of 54 pass attempts for 364 yards and three touchdowns. He threw no interceptions and finished with a 101.2 passer rating.
| Passing statistic | Jared Goff |
| Completions/Attempts | 34/54 |
| Passing yards | 364 |
| Touchdowns | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer rating | 101.2 |
Goff’s passing numbers were among the game’s strongest individual performances. He completed more passes and gained 98 more passing yards than Rodgers. His three touchdown passes also kept Detroit within reach during the fourth quarter.
However, the Lions needed more than passing production to win. Pittsburgh limited Detroit’s running game and made important defensive stops when the Lions attempted to build momentum.
Jahmyr Gibbs Rushing and Receiving Stats
Jahmyr Gibbs had a difficult game as a runner but remained involved as a receiver. He carried the ball seven times for just two yards, averaging 0.3 yards per attempt. Through the air, he caught 10 passes on 13 targets for 66 yards and one touchdown.
| Gibbs statistic | Total |
| Rushing attempts | 7 |
| Rushing yards | 2 |
| Rushing average | 0.3 |
| Receptions | 10 |
| Receiving yards | 66 |
| Receiving touchdowns | 1 |
Gibbs’ receiving performance gave Detroit an additional way to move the ball when its rushing attack was ineffective. His four-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter reduced Pittsburgh’s lead to five points.
Despite that contribution, his limited rushing production was a major challenge for Detroit. The Lions finished with only 15 team rushing yards, leaving their passing game responsible for most of the offensive workload.
David Montgomery’s Rushing Stats
David Montgomery carried the ball four times for 14 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 17 yards.
| Rushing statistic | David Montgomery |
| Carries | 4 |
| Rushing yards | 14 |
| Average per carry | 3.5 |
| Longest run | 17 yards |
| Rushing touchdowns | 0 |
Montgomery was unable to establish a consistent rushing rhythm. His 17-yard run showed that Detroit could generate occasional gains, but the Lions did not produce enough successful carries to balance their passing attack.
Detroit Lions Receiving Leaders
Detroit’s receivers helped Goff accumulate 364 passing yards. Several players contributed important catches, including a touchdown reception by Isaac TeSlaa and a late scoring play involving Kalif Raymond.
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Receiving yards | Touchdowns |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 10 | 13 | 66 | 1 |
| Jameson Williams | 5 | 9 | 70 | 0 |
| Kalif Raymond | 4 | 5 | 62 | 1 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 4 | 9 | 54 | 0 |
| Isaac TeSlaa | 4 | 7 | 52 | 1 |
Jameson Williams gained 70 yards on five receptions, giving him the highest receiving-yard total among these listed Detroit receivers. Raymond added 62 yards and a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
St. Brown contributed 54 receiving yards, while TeSlaa recorded 52 yards and a 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter. These performances helped Detroit move the ball, but the Lions could not convert their late opportunities into a winning score.
Defensive Player Stats and Key Performances
Defense played a decisive role in the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions match. Pittsburgh’s defense restricted Detroit’s rushing attack, generated a safety, and forced the Lions to rely on difficult passing situations.
Aidan Hutchinson Leads Detroit’s Pass Rush
Aidan Hutchinson recorded two sacks for Detroit. His pressure disrupted Rodgers and demonstrated the Lions’ ability to create problems for Pittsburgh’s passing offense.
However, Detroit’s pass rush could not consistently stop the Steelers’ running game. Warren’s two long touchdown runs and Pittsburgh’s extended offensive possessions ultimately outweighed Hutchinson’s individual success.
Kyle Dugger and Cameron Heyward Make Key Plays
Kyle Dugger delivered one of the game’s most important defensive plays when he sacked Goff in the end zone for a safety. The resulting two points gave Pittsburgh a 12–10 lead in the third quarter.
Cameron Heyward also recorded a sack for Pittsburgh. Both players contributed to the defensive pressure that made Detroit’s offensive task more difficult.
Jack Campbell Leads in Tackles
Detroit linebacker Jack Campbell recorded 16 total tackles, including seven solo tackles. D.J. Reed added eight total tackles.
For Pittsburgh, Patrick Queen led the Steelers defense with seven total tackles. These figures highlight the defensive workload required to manage a game featuring 842 combined yards of total offense.
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The Game’s Biggest Turning Points
Several moments explain why Pittsburgh won despite facing a productive passing performance from Goff.
1. Gainwell’s Touchdown Before Halftime
Detroit had taken a 10–3 lead after Goff’s touchdown pass to TeSlaa. Rodgers and Gainwell answered with a 45-yard touchdown just before halftime, making the score 10–10.
That response prevented the Lions from carrying their advantage into the second half and restored Pittsburgh’s offensive confidence.
2. The Third-Quarter Safety
Dugger’s sack of Goff in the end zone gave Pittsburgh a 12–10 lead. The play was especially important because neither team scored a conventional touchdown during the third quarter.
The safety changed the score and gave the Steelers an advantage heading into the final period.
3. Warren’s Two 45-Yard Touchdowns
Warren scored on 45-yard runs at 12:32 and 6:50 remaining in the fourth quarter. The first increased Pittsburgh’s lead to 22–10, and the second extended it to 29–17.
Detroit scored between those runs and again afterward, but Warren’s explosive plays gave Pittsburgh enough points to withstand the comeback.
4. Detroit’s Final Possession
Detroit received the ball with an opportunity to take the lead late in the game. Goff moved the Lions into Pittsburgh territory, and the offense reached the red zone.
However, penalties disrupted the final sequence. A potential touchdown involving St. Brown was nullified by offensive pass interference, and further unsuccessful plays prevented Detroit from scoring again before time expired.
The ending was dramatic, but the final score remained 29–24 in Pittsburgh’s favor.
Why Did the Steelers Beat the Lions?
The Steelers won because they combined a productive running game with effective possession management and a timely defensive contribution.
Three statistical differences stand out:
- Total offense: Pittsburgh gained 481 yards compared with Detroit’s 361.
- Rushing production: The Steelers generated 215 rushing yards, while the Lions finished with just 15.
- Time of possession: Pittsburgh held the ball for 34 minutes and six seconds, compared with Detroit’s 25 minutes and 54 seconds.
Detroit actually gained more passing yards and recorded more passing touchdowns. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh’s rushing efficiency helped create a more balanced offensive performance.
The Steelers also converted 50% of their third-down opportunities, compared with Detroit’s 40%. Sustaining drives allowed Pittsburgh to control the pace and reduce the time available for Detroit’s offense.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions match player stats reveal a game decided by offensive balance and key defensive plays. Detroit’s Jared Goff delivered 364 passing yards and three touchdowns, but Pittsburgh’s rushing attack created the difference.
Jaylen Warren’s 143 rushing yards and two 45-yard touchdowns led the Steelers, while Kenneth Gainwell contributed 128 combined rushing and receiving yards. Dugger’s safety added another crucial moment to Pittsburgh’s performance.
Detroit fought back in the fourth quarter and had a chance to change the result on its final possession. However, the Steelers held on for a 29–24 win at Ford Field. The final box score shows how Pittsburgh’s rushing efficiency, longer possession time, and timely defensive execution overcame Detroit’s stronger passing numbers.
FAQs
Who won the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions game on December 21, 2025?
The Pittsburgh Steelers won 29–24 against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit during Week 16 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
What was the final score of Steelers vs Lions?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 29, Detroit Lions 24. Pittsburgh led 3–0 after the first quarter, the teams were tied 10–10 at halftime, and the Steelers maintained their advantage through the fourth quarter.
Who had the most passing yards in the game?
Jared Goff led Detroit with 364 passing yards. Aaron Rodgers threw for 266 yards for Pittsburgh. Both quarterbacks threw three or more touchdown passes? No—Goff threw three touchdowns, while Rodgers threw one.
How many rushing yards did Jaylen Warren record?
Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards on 14 carries, averaging 10.2 yards per carry. He scored two touchdowns, both on 45-yard runs.
How many receiving yards did Kenneth Gainwell have?
Kenneth Gainwell recorded 78 receiving yards on five receptions and scored one receiving touchdown. He also rushed for 50 yards, finishing with 128 combined rushing and receiving yards.
How many touchdowns did Jared Goff throw?
Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes and no interceptions. He threw them to Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond, and Jahmyr Gibbs.
What was the key defensive play?
Kyle Dugger’s third-quarter sack of Goff in the end zone resulted in a safety and gave Pittsburgh a 12–10 lead. That play was a crucial turning point in a close game.
Why did Detroit lose despite gaining 364 passing yards?
Detroit’s passing offense was productive, but the Lions managed only 15 rushing yards. Pittsburgh gained 215 yards on the ground, controlled possession for longer, and scored two long rushing touchdowns through Warren.
