Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Complete game guide and 3 things to watch in Week 16 matchup

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● What: Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

● When: Sunday, Dec. 21, 4:25 p.m.

● Where: Ford Field, Detroit

● How to watch: CBS (Nantz/Romo/Wolfson)

● How to listen: 97.1-FM The Ticket in Metro Detroit or any number of network affiliates around the state.

● Line: Lions -7

● Injury report: The Lions ruled out safety Kerby Joseph on Friday before placing him on injured reserve Saturday afternoon. The team also listed five players as questionable, including starting offensive linemen Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany.

Meanwhile, the Steelers will be without superstar defensive end T.J. Watt, guard Isaac Seumalo, cornerback James Pierre and defensive lineman Nick Herbig.

● Officiating assignment: Carl Cheffers’ crew.

● Last meeting: The Lions and Steelers played to a 16-16 tie in 2021, the first non-loss of coach Dan Campbell’s tenure. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for only 114 yards in the inclement conditions, while running back D’Andre Swift logged what is still a career-high 33 carries for 130 yards.

Three things worth watching

● The Lions have been gouged for a league-worst 54 pass plays of 20 or more yards, with half of those coming during a brutal four-game defensive stretch.

The Steelers should offer some relief. Their 34 such gains are tied for 24th in the NFL. However, they still have a concerning big-play threat in DK Metcalf, who not only has 14 receptions of 20+ yards, but three gains of at least 40.

Detroit could struggle to match up with the 6-foot-4, 229-pounder on the outside, especially with cornerback Amik Robertson sporting a cast over his left hand, which he injured in the closing stages of last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.

On the other hand, Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has said there will be some schematic tweaks to reduce the big plays his unit has been allowing, with one of the key adjustments expected to be more safety help over the top for the cornerbacks.

● In a strength-on-strength matchup, Detroit’s elite ball security will be tested by a Steelers defense that has forced among the most takeaways in the NFL each of the past three seasons.

The absence of Watt and Herbig could reduce the threat. The pair has combined to force six fumbles, and each has an interception.

But what makes the Steelers unique is how much the production is spread across the roster. Eleven different defenders have recorded an interception this season, with only cornerback Brandin Echols snagging more than one.

The Lions, on the other hand, have coughed it up a league-low eight times through 14 games, including zero turnovers the past three games. Goff is leading the charge with a career-best 1.1% interception rate, half of what it was a year ago.

Detroit’s QB will have to be keenly aware of seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey, a trade addition for the Steelers this offseason. Known for his work as an outside cornerback, he began this campaign in the slot before a midseason move to free safety. However, he’ll line up just about everywhere in the secondary and IDing his alignment before the snap will be critical.

● Detroit’s ground game has been sputtering in recent weeks, averaging less than 100 yards per game the past three contests. More notably, they’ve been held under 100 yards in five of their six losses.

While David Montgomery’s usage has been a hot topic this season, it’s probably more fair to say that Detroit’s success this season has hinged on Jahmyr Gibbs’ ability to get going.

Since exploding for 264 yards from scrimmage in an overtime win over the Giants last month, Gibbs has struggled on the ground, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. He’s also been held under 90 yards from scrimmage in five of Detroit’s six losses.

Pittsburgh brings a decidedly average run defense to town, allowing 4.4 yards per carry and 120.9 yards per game. Additionally, they rank 21st in success rate.