Steelers-Lions Week 16 Preview: Romo, Nantz, and a High-Stakes December Showdown
When the Steelers take the field in Detroit for their Week 16 clash against the Lions, they’ll do so under the national spotlight - and with a familiar broadcast crew calling the action. CBS has announced that Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (color commentary), and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporting) will be on the call for this one, marking the third time this season the trio has covered a Steelers game.
Pittsburgh has had a solid track record on CBS this year, going 6-2 in games aired by the network. And while there’s no direct correlation between broadcasters and wins, it’s fair to say the Steelers have often delivered when the stage is big and the lights are bright.
A Familiar Crew, a Fresh Challenge
This won’t be the first time this season Nantz, Romo, and Wolfson have seen the Steelers up close. They were on hand for Pittsburgh’s gritty win over the Ravens and also called the loss to Buffalo. Now, they’ll get a front-row seat to a late-season matchup with major playoff implications for both teams.
Tracy Wolfson even shared her excitement on social media, posting: “Next up! Jim, @tonyromo and I are heady to Detroit! #dome 😊”
Steelers Open as Underdogs - But Don’t Count Them Out
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Steelers head into this one as 6.5-point underdogs. That’s a notable line, especially considering how Pittsburgh performed on Monday night.
After a sluggish first half, the offense flipped the switch in the second, getting key contributions across the board. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers even etched his name into the record books with a milestone moment.
The over/under for the game is set at 50.5 points, and Pittsburgh sits at +270 on the money line - a nod to the challenge ahead, but also an opportunity for a team that’s shown flashes of resilience all season.
Short-Handed Defense, Still Showing Up
One of the more impressive takeaways from Monday night wasn’t just the offensive turnaround - it was how the defense held its ground despite missing two key pieces. With T.J. Watt and rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon both sidelined, the Steelers still managed to bottle up Miami’s ground game, holding the Dolphins to just 63 rushing yards.
That kind of performance speaks to the depth and discipline of this unit. Even without their All-Pro edge rusher and a rising star in the trenches, Pittsburgh’s defense found ways to get stops and keep the game within reach until the offense found its rhythm.
AFC North Race Tightens
At 8-6, the Steelers still sit atop the AFC North, but the margin is razor-thin. The Ravens, now 7-7, are breathing down their necks, and with a head-to-head showdown looming in Week 18, every game from here on out carries playoff-level urgency.
For Pittsburgh, the path is clear: win, and control your own destiny. But with Detroit also sitting at 8-6 and fighting for its postseason life in the NFC, this one has all the makings of a classic December battle - two teams with matching records, playoff hopes on the line, and a national audience watching.
What to Watch
- Rodgers’ momentum: After a historic performance Monday night, can he keep the fire going on the road?
- Injury updates: Will Watt or Harmon be available?
Their return could swing the defensive matchup.
- Playoff pressure: Both teams are 8-6.
Both need a win. Which side handles the moment better?
With Romo and Nantz on the call and Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines, fans can expect a front-row seat to one of the weekend’s most compelling matchups. The stakes are high, the dome will be loud, and the road to the playoffs just might run through Detroit.