The Detroit Lions have to have a three-game winning streak in order to make a playoff push in 2025, and it will have to start with a Week 16 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Just like the Lions, the Steelers are in the thick of the AFC playoff race and need wins to stay relevant in the push. That sets up a big game between two teams that have everything on the line, and it will also represent a clash in similar styles.
Ever since Dan Campbell took over the Lions, he has attempted to mold his team into a tough outfit. He's used buzzwords like 'grit' to develop the mindset, and the franchise has routinely lived out those beliefs on the field.
This week, they will finally get arguably the best test of how far they have come with a visit from the Steelers. It's a challenge, because as Dan Campbell admits, Pittsburgh is a physical team that likes to play bully ball with the opposition and push them around.
Jared Goff agreed with that assessment after being asked about the Steelers. He knows the fact that they have lived their toughness for decades makes this a very difficult matchup for the Lions on paper and otherwise.
"Sure (they play bully ball). I think that's kind of been the hallmark of who they are for however long they've been successful there, which is a long time. They're a tough, physical team. They're AFC North. They play downhill. They're strong and that's what they pride themselves on."
The Lions have become the NFC's version of that lately, but they have far less of a track record to rely on historically. That's the reason why a victory over the Steelers late in the season would be so significant. With both teams in the playoff race, it's clear the stakes have never been higher between the sides.
Aidan Hutchinson looks forward to matching Steelers' toughness
In order for the Lions to win the game, they are going to have to not only match Pittsburgh's athleticism, but exceed it. That's going to be a challenge, especially on defense. The Lions are coming off a rough performance in Los Angeles, and need to rediscover their identity quickly.
Finding a way to get off the field regularly and show toughness on defense is going to be a huge goal for Detroit this week. Hutchinson realizes that the Lions are ready to play a team that routinely wins in the trenches, which is why he thinks they need to match the bully ball mindset.
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"I think we have to if we're going to compete and try to win the game, you know? I think they're definitely going to try to establish the run game and that's going to be a big emphasis on this game."
For the Lions, ground supremacy on both sides of the ball is a big key to victory this week, and winning up front revolves around physicality most of all. The Steelers have a tough mindset embedded within, and it will be incumbent on Detroit to match that trait most of all.