Dec. 22 (UPI) — The Pittsburgh Steelers smothered the Detroit Lions’ running game and held off a late rally to win and snatch the division lead in the AFC North.
Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell combined for 278 yards from scrimmage and three scores in the 29-24 triumph Sunday in Detroit. The Steelers out-gained the Lions 230-15 on the ground.
We knew we had to stay in front of those guys,” Gainwell told reporters. “We know how explosive their offense is.
“We kind of did our thing for a minute, but they kept fighting and we kept fighting.”
AND HE’S OFF @Nunless2
: #PITvsDET on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/FjTFxpNs3G— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 22, 2025
Chris Boswell made a 59-yard field goal for a 3-0 Steelers lead about 5:39 into the game. Lions kicker Jake Bates tied the score with a 36-yard attempt five minutes into the second quarter.
Jared Goff threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa for the Lions’ first lead about two minutes before halftime. Aaron Rodgers responded with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Gainwell in the final seconds of the half to tie the score at 10-10 at the break.
Lions safety Thomas Harper forced a Darnell Washington fumble on the first drive of the second half.
But instead of allowing the Lions to turn the turnover into points, safety Kyle Dugger sacked Goff in the end zone to give the Steelers a 12-10 lead.
Boswell made a 23-yard kick on the next drive. The Steelers added to their lead with two 45-yard Warren touchdown runs on their next two drives.
The Lions tightened the score late, with Goff throwing fourth quarter touchdown passes to Khalif Raymond and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Boswell went on to hit the right upright on a 37-yard attempt to keep the door open for the Lions, who trailed by five with two minutes remaining.
Putting the pedal to the metal @Nunless2
: #PITvsDET on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/hvEc4ZI47T— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2025
The Lions proceeded to find the end zone twice on the final drive of the night, but both scores were nullified due to penalties, including the game’s last play.
Goff connected with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on a 1-yard throw to start that sequence. St. Brown then lateraled back to Goff, who ran in for an 8-yard touchdown.
But officials determined St. Brown committed offensive pass interference, nullifying the would-be game-winning score.
Warren totaled 151 yards from scrimmage and two scores on 16 touches. Gainwell chipped in 128 yards and a score on 14 touches.
Rodgers completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards and a score. Goff threw for 364 yards and three scores in the loss. Gibbs logged 10 catches for 66 yards, but was held to just 2 yards on seven carries.
Dugger, Cameron Hayward and Keeanu Benton logged sacks for the Steelers, who improved to 9-6.
They will attempt to win a fourth consecutive game during an AFC North matchup with the Cleveland Browns (3-12) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in Cleveland.
The Lions (8-7) will try to avoid a three-game losing streak when they meet the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) in an NFC North matchup at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in Minneapolis.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.