Steelers survive wild finish against Lions, 29-24

The Pittsburgh Steelers survived a chaotic finish to beat the Detroit Lions 29–24 Sunday, boosting their chances of winning the AFC North for the first time in five years and likely ending Detroit’s outside shot at a third straight NFC North title.

The game ended on a dramatic note when Jared Goff’s apparent touchdown on the final play was nullified by an offensive pass-interference penalty on Amon-Ra St. Brown. Officials ruled that rookie Isaac TeSlaa set a pick that freed St. Brown, negating Goff’s 1-yard pass into the end zone.

Pittsburgh (9–6) has now won three straight games after a midseason slump. Coach Mike Tomlin praised the team’s resilience through adversity, noting their playoff-type mentality over the past three weeks. Detroit (8–7) dropped its second consecutive game for the first time in over three years and now holds just an 8% chance of making the playoffs.

Running back Jaylen Warren was dominant for the Steelers, rushing for a career-high 143 yards, including two 45-yard touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh also outgained Detroit 230–15 in rushing yards. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 266 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown to Kenneth Gainwell, while Goff threw three total touchdown passes, two in the fourth quarter.

Pittsburgh’s defense contributed a safety when Goff was sacked by Kyle Dugger and forced Detroit into key fourth-down situations, including a trip where consecutive penalties moved the ball to the Steelers’ 35-yard line, setting up the dramatic finish.

The Steelers also extended their NFL-record streak to 22 consecutive seasons with at least a .500 record. Receiver DK Metcalf had a minor scuffle with a fan in the second quarter; the league will review the incident.

Injuries

Steelers: CB Brandin Echols (groin) left the game; OLB T.J. Watt (lung), OG Isaac Seumalo (triceps), and OLB Nick Herbig (hamstring) were inactive.

Lions: C Graham Glasgow (knee) and C Trystan Colon (wrist) were inactive; G Kayode Awosika (foot) missed his third straight game. Rookie Kingsley Eguakun started at center.

Up Next

Steelers: At Cleveland next Sunday.

Lions: At Minnesota on Christmas Day.