Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers – How to Watch/Listen to NFL Week 16

Time is running fast: Only 2 days left until the game that will set America on fire

Detroit, Michigan – The Week 16 matchup between the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers is a crucial showdown with playoff implications for both teams, scheduled for 4:25 PM EST on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Ford Field (a closed-roof stadium, weather will not be a factor).

Both teams enter the game with 8–6 records, but their situations are very different. The Steelers currently lead the AFC North and control their playoff destiny, while the Lions sit third in the NFC North and are right on the edge, needing to win most of their remaining games to keep wild-card hopes alive after an impressive 2024 season followed by a 2025 campaign plagued by injuries and inconsistency.

📺 TELEVISION BROADCAST
Nationwide/Local: Live on CBS (potentially with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call)

💻 LIVE STREAMING
Nationwide: NFL+, Paramount+, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV (CBS included – free trials available)
In-Market: Free on the Lions App or Steelers App within local geographic areas
Out-of-Market: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube / YouTube TV

🎧 RADIO BROADCAST
Detroit: Lions Radio Network (97.1 The Ticket typically serves as the flagship)
Pittsburgh: WDVE 102.5 FM & WBGG 970 AM – Bill Hillgrove or equivalent
Nationwide/International: SiriusXM, TuneIn Premium, NFL App

📅 GAME DETAILS
Kickoff: Sunday, December 21, 2025 – 4:25 PM EST
Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan (indoor stadium, comfortable temperature around 21°C)
Gates Open: Approximately 2–3 hours before kickoff
Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub (starting around $100+, depending on seating)

🔑 KEY STORYLINES

Detroit Lions (8–6):
The Lions are in desperation mode, needing a win to keep playoff hopes alive (roughly 25–30% odds entering the week). The offense remains elite (top of the NFL in points per game at approximately 30.6), with Jared Goff steady under center and Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery (if healthy) driving the run game. However, injuries have ravaged the defense (near the bottom of the league in pass defense), and new concerns have emerged along the offensive line (Graham Glasgow – knee, Taylor Decker – shoulder, both limited). Notable injuries include S Kerby Joseph (knee setback, possibly out for the season) and CB Amik Robertson (hand, questionable).

Pittsburgh Steelers (8–6):
Pittsburgh leads the AFC North following a recent statement win. Aaron Rodgers has shown signs of revival with a strong passer rating, though the offense overall remains middling (lower-tier in yards per game). The defense, traditionally the team’s backbone, is dealing with major injuries: EDGE T.J. Watt (lung, likely out), Nick Herbig (hamstring), and offensive line issues involving Zach Frazier and Isaac Seumalo (triceps). The Steelers enter as 6.5–7 point underdogs, with the potential to play conservatively due to their stronger playoff position.

Head-to-Head:
The teams have rarely met in recent seasons. The Steelers hold the historical edge, but the Lions are significantly stronger at home.

⚠️ GAME SIGNIFICANCE
This is a must-win game for Detroit – a loss would nearly eliminate them from playoff contention. For Pittsburgh, a victory would solidify their grip on the AFC North and bring them close to clinching a postseason berth, potentially allowing them to rest key players down the stretch. This matchup could shape the wild-card races in both conferences, especially with both teams hovering around the critical nine-win threshold.

📱 FOLLOW THE GAME
Live Updates: Lions.com, Steelers.com, NFL App
Social Media: @Lions · @Steelers
Highlights & Stats: NFL+ and official team apps