We're once again in a must-win week for the Detroit Lions, with this being the first of three contests they absolutely have to dominate in order to earn a shot at the Wild Card over the rest of the NFC contention pool.
Detroit's had a poor go of it when trying to establish winning streaks this season, with their last one ending in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, they're been switching back and forth in the win-loss column, which has only hurt them down this key stretch of games that can make or break their shot at making the playoffs and making some unexpected noise in early 2026.
There are three key Lions players who must have nearly perfect outings against the tough-nosed Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 in order to get back in the win column, and to begin a three-game win streak that could help punch the team's ticket into the postseason.
3 Lions that must step up against Steelers in Week 16
Jared Goff
For all the noise around Goff's inability to lead or play in big games this season, he's probably been one of the Lions' most consistently great offensive players this season. Last week against the Los Angeles Rams, his former team, he posted 338 passing yards and three touchdown passes. And yet, Detroit still lost. That just goes to show how great this year's Rams are.
Goff has to have a similarly dominant outing against the Steelers and their secondary led by Jalen Ramsey, especially since their defense looks worse for wear as they stumble into January. He, and the Lions' run game, will need a huge game in order to offset any sudden heroics put on by Aaron Rodgers and his offense.
David Montgomery
Its been a strange week for Montgomery, who has seen his name crop up a ton after the Lions' Week 15 loss to the Rams since he was barely utilized by head coach Dan Campbell. Jahmyr Gibbs was ineffective against Los Angeles' defense, but Montgomery seemed to be having better luck at pushing the pile with his strength and size. Yet, he was barely called onto the field.
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This could be a statement game for Montgomery if he's utilized, especially against another tough defensive front helmed by Pittsburgh if T.J. Watt returns from injury. A huge game from him would prove to Detroit's coaching staff that they must find more touches for the veteran, especially to add to the dynamic option the Lions have on their roster between himself and Gibbs. Pittsburgh hasn't been great against the run this year, and Montgomery can get going easily in this contest.
Alex Anzalone
Anzalone's impact has been lost in the shuffle this year as Jack Campbell emerges as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Anzalone, who is set to become a free agent in 2026, may very well be playing for an increase on his years and the number on his next deal in this contest.
He could impact this contest by stopping one of Pittsburgh's best weapons in D.K. Metcalf, who has the propensity to embarrass his defenders with stiff arms and brute force. Stopping him, as well as acting as a spy on Rodgers, could help prevent this game from falling into the hands of Detroit's banged-up secondary and a slowed-down D.J. Reed.