For years, Aaron Rodgers made Sundays miserable for the Detroit Lions. Now, with Detroit no longer playing the role of victim, the Lions enter this matchup with a chance to remind a familiar foe that the balance of power has finally shifted.
Consistency has become a defining trait of the Detroit Lions under coach Dan Campbell, and it will be tested again this week. Detroit has not lost back-to-back games since the 2022 season, a streak the Lions will look to protect as they return home to Ford Field.
Standing in the way is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a familiar name who has tormented Detroit throughout his career. Rodgers owns an 18-8 record against the Lions, most of that damage coming during his long tenure with the Green Bay Packers. For years, Lions fans watched Rodgers turn close games into heartbreak, often with surgical precision late in contests.
But the most recent chapter in that rivalry flipped the script. In Rodgers’ last matchup against Detroit, Lions safety Kerby Joseph intercepted Rodgers three times. The stunning performance sent Green Bay to a season-ending loss and cost the Packers a playoff berth. It was a symbolic moment, a sign that Detroit was no longer the same team Rodgers once dominated.
That memory alone is enough to suggest this game could carry extra meaning for Rodgers. Pride, legacy and revenge often motivate elite quarterbacks, and it would not be surprising if this matchup feels personal. Still, the Lions enter with momentum, confidence and a roster that continues to grow into one of the most balanced teams in the NFC.
Offensive MVP: Jameson Williams
Wide receiver Jameson Williams has quietly turned into one of Detroit’s most dangerous weapons. After a slow start to the season, Williams is now playing the best football of his young career. Over his last three games, he is averaging 124 receiving yards and has found the end zone five times over the past seven contests.
Williams’ increased role has been crucial, especially with tight end Sam LaPorta sidelined. His speed stretches defenses vertically, and his growing chemistry with the quarterback has opened up space across the field. Against a Pittsburgh defense that allows the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL and is battling multiple injuries — including to star pass rusher T.J. Watt — Williams is poised for another big day.
Detroit’s offense thrives when it can dictate tempo, and Williams’ ability to flip field position in a single play makes him the perfect spark.
Defensive MVP: Jack Campbell
Linebacker Jack Campbell continues to anchor the heart of the Lions defense. Wearing the green dot and calling plays, Campbell has been a model of consistency and toughness all season.
Campbell has now produced 125 or more tackles in consecutive seasons, joining Lions legends Chris Spielman and Alex Anzalone as the only Detroit players to accomplish that feat since at least 1987. He ranks fourth in the NFL with 76 solo tackles and has added five sacks and three forced fumbles, showcasing his versatility and instincts.
Against a Steelers offense that can struggle with protection and rhythm, Campbell’s ability to diagnose plays and attack downhill could be a game-changer.
Prediction: Lions 34, Steelers 16
Detroit should be well-positioned to take care of business. Coming off a loss and returning to Ford Field has been a winning formula for the Lions, while Pittsburgh faces a hostile environment and a motivated opponent.
If Detroit plays to its strengths on both sides of the ball, this one should not be close.