The Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers will meet for a Week 16 matchup at Ford Field with a ton of playoff implications.
Sunday's contest is a must-win game for the Lions, who are 8-6 and fighting for a playoff spot in a loaded NFC. According to Next Gen stats, Detroit would have just an 8% chance to qualify for the playoffs with a loss in Week 16, as opposed to a 41% chance with a victory.
The Steelers are still in a tight battle with the Baltimore Ravens for the NFC North. Though Pittsburgh has a one-game lead and the tiebreaker advantage over Baltimore, a loss and a Ravens win this week would make things much closer.
That said, there is a lot on the line in this NFC vs. AFC contest in Detroit on Sunday. That said, here is what the experts think will transpire.
NFL Week 16 picks: Lions vs. Steelers
Bill Bender, AllSportsPeople: Lions 34, Steelers 29
Bender: "The Lions are still in the NFC playoff hunt, but they'll have to knock off an old foe in Aaron Rodgers, who has kept the Steelers in the AFC North mix. The Lions have not beat the Steelers since a 19-16 victory on Nov. 26, 1998 – the “Coin Flip” game with Jerome Bettis. Detroit changes that with a strong running game led by Jahmyr Gibbs."
Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic: Lions 30, Steelers 23
Cluff: "These teams may not be battling each other for a division title, but they are fighting to make the postseason. Jared Goff and the Lions are still tough to beat at Ford Field and will get the victory in this must-win game."
Stephania Bell: Lions
Jeremy Fowler: Lions
Eric Moody: Lions
Seth Wickersham: Steelers
Dan Graziano: Lions
Pete Prisco: Lions
Ryan Wilson: Lions
Tyler Sullivan: Lions
Jared Dubin: Lions
John Breech: Lions
Number of experts picking Lions: 11
Number of experts picking Steelers: 1