Betting
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Sunday 21st December 2025 Start time: 4:25 pm local time (9:25 pm BST) Venue: Ford Field, Detroit Last regular season meeting: November 14, 2021, Detroit Lions 16-16 Pittsburgh Steelers The Detroit Lions face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in one of the biggest games of the year. Both organizations are fighting for an all-important playoff place within the NFC and AFC, respectively, meaning a win would significantly bolster their chances. Which team will win this enthralling game?
SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence. For more information, see our Content Transparency and How We Review pages.
Aaron Rodgers//Getty Images
Ahead of this matchup, SportsBoom has all the details with an extensive preview, the best sites for NFL betting. Our preview includes an overview of the most impactful players for each team, injury reports, and roster lineup predictions, including a look at their historical encounters, and our recommended value bets and predicted winner.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Detroit Lions: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.8%
Pittsburgh Steelers: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
Forecast odds – Betting available on bet365 closer to event
Head-to-Head Record
Due to the structure of the National Football League, this NFC and AFC battle sees very few fixtures over the years. This matchup has occurred since the sport’s inception, with the first dating back to 1949. Since then, both franchises have played each other just 39 times.
It’s a very close head-to-head record, with the Steelers holding a narrow advantage overall with 19 wins, compared to the Lions’ 18 wins. Although ties are uncommon in this sport, this fixture has seen two, including their most recent matchup in 2021.
Last Five Matches
| Season | Date | Result |
| 2021 Season | November 14, 2021 | Detroit Lions 16-16 Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 2027 Season | October 29, 2017 | Pittsburgh Steelers 20-15 Detroit Lions |
| 2013 Season | November 17, 2013 | Pittsburgh Steelers 37-27 Detroit Lions |
| 2009 Season | October 11, 2009 | Pittsburgh Steelers 28-20 Detroit Lions |
| 2005 Season | January 1, 2006 | Pittsburgh Steelers 35-21 Detroit Lions |
Pittsburgh Steelers Current Form
- Record: 7-6
- Home Form: 4-3
- Road Form: 3-3
At the time of writing, the Pittsburgh Steelers are 7-6 for the season but sit atop the AFC North. The organization have had an up and down year, but the playoff position is within their grasp as they are the fourth seed. The season is still far from over, meaning a win over the Lions significantly bolsters their chances.
42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is still playing at a world-class level, throwing for 2,370 yards and completing 20 touchdowns. His numbers mean he has a 96.2 passer rating, which is still a good level despite a noticeable regression. Rodgers is playing in his first year with the Steelers and embarks on a potential playoff run.
The Steelers secured DK Metcalf’s services from the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason, a move that has paid off as he’s the top receiver this season. He’s picked up 753 receiving yards for the year, ranking him 27th in the NBA, but he’s not as explosive as he has been in previous years. Metcalf continues his seven-year-long streak with over five touchdowns.
Injury Report
- Derrick Harmon – Questionable (knee)
- T.J. Watt – Out (collapsed lung)
- James Pierre – Out (calf)
- Andrus Peat – Out (concussion)
Detroit Lions Current Form
- Record: 8-6
- Home Form: 5-2
- Road Form: 3-4
The Detroit Lions are on the cusp of a playoff place as they have an 8-6 record for the season. They are one seed below the Green Bay Packers, who are currently occupying the final playoff place, as the close-knit NFC North could still bring up plenty of surprises. The organization needs a win against the Steelers to try and catapult their playoff chances.
Despite the Lions losing six games, their quarterback, Jared Goff, is on the brink of setting career-best records in his career. He’s completed 29 touchdowns and only thrown five picks, as he closes in on his best output in a season with 37 total touchdowns. There are still three matches to go, so he may exceed this number.
Once again, Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best players in the league in his position. The 26-year-old wide receiver has posted yet another 1,100+ yard season, making it a fifth year in a row. In addition, he’s secured 11 touchdowns, placing him second in the league and two more away from setting a new record.
Injury Report
- Kayode Awosika – Out (foot)
- Makhi Wingo – Out
- Nick Whiteside – Out
- Dominic Lovett – Out
- Tyler Lacy – Out
- Kerby Joseph – Out
- Thomas Harper – Out
- Brian Branch – Injured reserve (Achilles)
- Christian Mahogany – Injured reserve (fibula)
Predicted Line-Ups
Our predicted line-ups from both squads ahead of this fixture.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Offense:
- QB: Aaron Rodgers
- RB: Jaylen Warren
- WR: DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III
- TE: Darnell Washington
- FB: Connor Heyward
- OL: Andrus Peat, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu
Defense:
- DE: Cameron Heyward, Logan Lee
- DT: Jeeanu Benton, Yahya Black
- LB: Jack Sawyer, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson
- CB: Alex Highsmith, Asante Samuel Jr., Brandin Echols
- S: Armani Hooker, Xavier Woods
Detroit Lions
Offense:
- QB: Jared Goff
- RB: Jahmyr Gibbs
- WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond
- TE: Anthony Firkser
- OL: Taylor Decker, Trystan Colon, Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, Penei Sewell
Defense:
- DE: Aidan Hutchinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad
- DT: Alim McNeill, DJ Reader
- LB: Alex Anazlone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Grant Stuard
- CB: Rick Ya-Sin, Derrick Barnes
- S: Daniel Thomas, Avonte Maddox
Value Bets
Our following value bets are based on matchup history, recent form, and projected offensive usage. These markets are widely available across leading US betting sites, offering bettors multiple angles to find competitive odds.
Aaron Rodgers: Over 2 TDs
Aaron Rodgers’ long career has seen him play countless matches against the Detroit Lions, playing 26 games in total. He has a record of 18-8 against them in his career and always steps up against his former rival. We predict he will post at least two touchdowns as he’s equalled or exceeded this number in eight of his last ten matches.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: Over 60 Yards
Amon-Ra St. Brown is averaging truly impressive numbers, and despite his limited experience against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he will still be one of their keys to victory. We predict St. Brown to post at least 60 receiving yards in this one.
Prediction: Detroit Lions to Win
In conclusion, SportsBoom predicts the Detroit Lions to claim victory in this high-stakes matchup. The Lions have one of the best offenses in the league, which will play into their hands for this game. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a far more favorable head-to-head record, but the Lions have the better roster.
Henry Cheal is a versatile freelance sports journalist with extensive experience in the industry. Henry has previously worked at the 2024 World Snooker Championship and earned a Multimedia Sports Journalism degree from UCFB in 2023.