Steelers survive Lions 29–24 after late penalty wipes out potential winning touchdown

The Pittsburgh Steelers held off the Detroit Lions 29–24 on Sunday in a chaotic finish that ended with a potential game-winning touchdown erased by an offensive pass-interference penalty. The decision, announced after a prolonged officials’ conference, silenced the crowd and left Detroit with a second straight defeat as the playoff race tightened.

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff appeared to deliver a dramatic ending on the final play, completing a short fourth-down pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown near the goal line. As defenders closed in, St. Brown lateraled the ball back to Goff, who crossed into the end zone. Officials ruled, however, that St. Brown had illegally pushed off before making the catch, nullifying the play and preserving the Steelers’ win.

Fourth-quarter surge and decisive call

Pittsburgh’s late resilience was anchored by running back Jaylen Warren, who broke loose for two 45-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. Warren finished with a career-high 143 rushing yards as the Steelers overwhelmed Detroit on the ground, piling up a 230–15 advantage in rushing yards.

The Lions twice thought they had salvaged the game in the final minute, only for penalties to intervene. With 22 seconds remaining, Goff threw a one-yard touchdown pass to St. Brown, but the score was wiped out when rookie Isaac TeSlaa was flagged for pass interference after setting a pick that freed the receiver.

Detroit had moved into position after drawing consecutive pass-interference and tripping penalties on Pittsburgh, setting up what seemed to be a last-gasp opportunity. Instead, the final ruling left the Lions stunned and the Steelers celebrating.

Standings implications

The win lifted the AFC North-leading Steelers to 9–6 and extended their winning streak to three games after a midseason slump. With two games remaining, Pittsburgh surged into the division lead and continued a season defined by close finishes and late defensive stands.

Detroit fell to 8–7, dropping consecutive games for the first time in more than three years. The loss ended the Lions’ outside chance of claiming a third straight NFC North title. While they were not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, their margin for error narrowed significantly.

Offensive exchanges throughout

Goff completed 34 of 54 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Kalif Raymond on a 27-yard score midway through the fourth quarter and later found Jahmyr Gibbs on a four-yard touchdown, each time pulling Detroit within five points.

Pittsburgh countered with timely plays through the air and on the ground. Aaron Rodgers finished 27 of 41 for 266 yards and threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Kenneth Gainwell to close the first half. The play was initially ruled incomplete before a review overturned the call, showing Gainwell securing the ball while on the ground before getting to his feet and sprinting into the end zone.

The Steelers also benefited from a safety in the third quarter when Goff was sacked in the end zone by blitzing Kyle Dugger, giving Pittsburgh a 12–10 lead.

Long drives and missed chances

A defining stretch came when Pittsburgh engineered a 17-play, 64-yard drive in the third quarter that consumed nearly 10 minutes. The Steelers converted two fourth downs and faced another opportunity inside the Lions’ five-yard line. They opted not to go for it a third time, settling for a field goal and a five-point cushion.

Detroit’s defense later forced the Steelers into a 37-yard field-goal attempt with 2:05 remaining, but Chris Boswell missed the kick, keeping the Lions within striking distance and setting the stage for the controversial ending.

Earlier, Boswell had opened the scoring with a 59-yard field goal. Detroit answered late in the first half when Goff threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to TeSlaa, briefly putting the Lions ahead 10–3.

Sideline incident and historical mark

The game also included an unusual sideline moment when Steelers receiver DK Metcalf appeared to swipe at a fan leaning over the railing during the second quarter. The interaction followed an exchange of words, and Metcalf did not appear to make significant contact.

Beyond the immediate result, Pittsburgh secured its 22nd consecutive season finishing at .500 or better, breaking an NFL record previously shared with the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Mike Tomlin has now completed 19 seasons without a losing record.

Injuries

Pittsburgh cornerback Brandin Echols exited in the second quarter with a groin injury. The Steelers were already without outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung), guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps), and reserve linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring).

Detroit played without centers Graham Glasgow (knee) and Trystan Colon (wrist), leading to the first career start for Kingsley Eguakun. Guard Kayode Awosika missed his third straight game with a foot injury.