Lions Enter Must-Win Territory: Three Key Players Who Need to Deliver vs. Steelers in Week 16
The Detroit Lions are officially in crunch time. With just three games left on the schedule and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, every snap from here on out carries postseason weight. Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers isn’t just a game-it’s the beginning of a three-week gauntlet the Lions must run if they want to sneak into the NFC Wild Card picture.
The frustrating part for Detroit fans? This team has shown flashes of being playoff-caliber.
But consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. Since their last winning streak ended back in Week 5 against the Bengals, the Lions have been stuck in a win-one, lose-one rhythm that simply won't cut it in December.
If they want to be playing meaningful football in January, that pattern needs to end-now.
To get back in the win column and start building momentum, Detroit will need big-time performances from some of its most important players. And it starts with the quarterback.
1. Jared Goff: Time to Lead from the Front
Say what you will about Jared Goff, but the man has been steady under center for Detroit this season. While critics have questioned his ability to rise in the biggest moments, his numbers tell a different story.
Just last week against the Rams-his old squad-Goff lit it up for 338 yards and three touchdowns. That should’ve been enough to win.
But it wasn’t, and that’s the reality this team is facing: Goff has to be near-perfect for Detroit to have a shot.
This week, he’ll be tested again by a gritty Steelers defense that, while banged up, still features playmakers who can change a game in a heartbeat. Goff will need to be sharp, decisive, and fearless in the pocket.
Pittsburgh’s secondary, led by the ever-dangerous Jalen Ramsey, is opportunistic, but they've shown cracks. If Goff can exploit them with his usual command and rhythm, Detroit’s offense has a chance to take control early.
And let’s not forget-this isn’t just about Goff slinging it. His ability to manage the offense, control tempo, and keep the Steelers' defense guessing will be crucial. If Detroit wants to start a three-game win streak, it starts with No. 16 playing like a franchise quarterback.
2. David Montgomery: The Power Back Who Needs the Ball
Last week’s loss to the Rams left a lot of fans scratching their heads-especially when it came to the usage of David Montgomery. While rookie Jahmyr Gibbs struggled to find lanes against a stout Rams front, Montgomery looked like he was ready to grind out the tough yards. But for reasons unknown, he was barely used.
That needs to change this week.
Montgomery is built for games like this-cold-weather, physical matchups where every yard feels like a battle. Pittsburgh’s front seven isn’t what it used to be, and if T.J.
Watt is still limited, there’s an opportunity here for Montgomery to make his presence felt. His downhill style and ability to push the pile could be the perfect counter to a Steelers defense that’s been vulnerable against the run.
If the Lions can establish Montgomery early, it opens everything up-play action, screen passes, even some designed runs for Gibbs in space. But it starts with giving No. 5 the rock and letting him wear down the defense. This could be a tone-setting game for Montgomery, and one that reminds the coaching staff just how valuable he is in these high-stakes moments.
3. Alex Anzalone: Veteran Leadership on Full Display
While rookie Jack Campbell has rightfully gotten plenty of attention for his breakout year, don’t overlook the steady presence of Alex Anzalone. The veteran linebacker has quietly been doing the dirty work all season long, and with free agency looming in 2026, he’s playing for more than just wins-he’s playing for his next contract.
This week, Anzalone’s role could be pivotal. Pittsburgh’s offense may not be flashy, but they’ve got weapons-most notably D.K.
Metcalf, who can turn a short gain into a highlight reel moment with one stiff arm. Anzalone will likely be tasked with helping contain Metcalf’s physicality across the middle, and just as importantly, keeping tabs on Aaron Rodgers when he starts to improvise.
With Detroit’s secondary dealing with injuries and inconsistent play, the pressure falls on the linebackers to keep things in front of them and limit explosive plays. Anzalone’s experience, football IQ, and ability to diagnose plays quickly could be the difference between third-and-long or a back-breaking first down.
Bottom Line: The Margin for Error Is Gone
The Lions don’t have the luxury of easing into this one. The playoff race is too tight, and the schedule isn’t doing them any favors. It’s go time-and that means their top players have to play like it.
Jared Goff needs to command the offense with poise and precision. David Montgomery has to be a force in the run game. And Alex Anzalone must lead a defense that’s been stretched thin down the stretch.
If those three step up, Detroit can take the first step toward a late-season surge. If not, their playoff hopes may be headed to the offseason before the calendar even flips to 2026.