The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to come away with a narrow victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday as the group won by a score of 29-24. The game was decided on the final play as Detroit's offense was driving the ball down the field and had the football within the Steelers' 10-yard line while needing just a touchdown to take the lead and win the contest. The Lions were called for an offensive pass interference penalty that ended the matchup, despite the Lions scoring on a wild fumble that was recovered by the offense.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers embraces Head Coach Mike Tomlin after a big win on the road against the Detroit Lions in Week 16 of the 2025 NFL Season.
This win over the Lions was a gigantic victory for Pittsburgh as playoff scenarios are starting to come alive. The AFC North is tight at the top between the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, with the winner of the division clinching a spot in the postseason and the loser likely being eliminated from contention.
The win puts Pittsburgh one step closer to winning the division title, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin had a message for his team after the game during his post-game press conference.
"We're coming in tomorrow to watch the tape." Tomlin said. "We ain't got time for Victory Mondays, and that's what I told the team."
Usually when teams get a big win during the regular season the group might get the following Monday off, but that is not going to be the case this time around. Pittsburgh has a tough, in-division matchup with the Cleveland Browns coming up in Week 17, and the collective could have a chance to clinch the division if it is able to come away with a win. That makes the next week of preparation ultra-important, especially since it is a game the Steelers should be able to win.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin upset with officials on the sideline during a win over the Dolphins at home in 2025.
The Steelers were able to take down the Lions thanks to a strong offensive performance, but there was certainly some areas that the team is going to have to clean up moving forward. There were a few penalties that could have been avoided, and the defense began to allow Detroit to march down the field in the fourth quarter. There were some teaching points in the game that will be visible on tape, and Tomlin is going to make sure his team is aware of that on Monday.
This is the most important time of the year in the NFL. Pittsburgh is close to capturing its first division title since the 2020 season, which would allow the franchise to host a playoff game for the first time since that same season.
The AFC is also relatively wide open, and any team that can sneak into the postseason could be representing the conference in Super Bowl LX. Pittsburgh is desperate to end the playoff drought it has gone through over the last eight years, and that could come to an end this season.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing ball downfield in Steelers Week 14 Game at Baltimore Ravens
Steelers Could Clinch AFC North In Week 17
Pittsburgh has the advantage over Baltimore currently, but the Ravens have the tie-breaker over the Steelers. In order to clinch the division prior to Week 18 when those two teams meet again, the Steelers would have had to win both games in Week 16 and 17 while the Ravens lose one of their games, or the Ravens would have had to lose both of their games while the Steelers win one of theirs.
Pittsburgh's win over Detroit now allows the Steelers to win over the Browns in Week 17 and clinch the division as long as the Ravens lose on Sunday Night Football in Week 16. If Baltimore wins, a clinching scenario still exists in Week 17 if the Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers and the Steelers take down the Browns.
What do you think about Tomlin's message to his team? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
