Lions-Steelers takeaways from a chaotic Week 16 finish reveal a Pittsburgh victory that keeps their division lead intact and pushes Detroit to the brink of playoff elimination.

 The Steelers escaped Ford Field with a 29-24 win after two offensive pass interference calls in the final seconds nullified potential game-winning touchdowns for the Lions.

Lions-Steelers Takeaways: A Chaotic Final Sequence

The Lions-Steelers takeaways are dominated by the game's final drive. With 2:05 left, Detroit drove 73 yards to the Pittsburgh 1-yard line. On first down, a Jared Goff touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown was wiped out by an OPI penalty. After a false start, the Lions reached the 9-yard line with 16 seconds left.

On the final play, Goff found St. Brown short of the goal line. St. Brown lateraled back to Goff, who dove into the end zone as time expired. However, St. Brown was flagged for a second OPI for pushing off against Jalen Ramsey. After a lengthy review, officials ruled the touchdown nullified, ending the game and sealing the Steelers' win.

Lions-Steelers Takeaways: Key Plays and Turning Points

Beyond the finish, other Lions-Steelers takeaways defined the game:

• Steelers' Sideline Incident: In the second quarter, CBS cameras captured Steelers receiver DK Metcalf swinging at a fan wearing a blue wig on the sideline. He was not penalized during the game, but the NFL is reviewing the incident.

• Critical Third Quarter: After a Steelers fumble at the goal line, linebacker Kyle Dugger sacked Goff for a safety on the ensuing drive, shifting momentum to Pittsburgh.
• Jaylen Warren's Heroics: The Steelers running back sealed the win with two explosive 45-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter.

Lions-Steelers Takeaways: Playoff Implications

The Lions-Steelers takeaways have significant playoff consequences. The Steelers (9-6) maintain a one-game lead in the AFC North. The Lions (7-8), meanwhile, see their playoff hopes become a long shot, needing multiple results to go their way in the final week of the season to have any chance at a wild-card spot.

Source of Information: 

This game recap and analysis is based on the official NFL Game Summary and press pool reporting from Ford Field.

For the official stats and play-by-play, visit the NFL's website: NFL Game Center: Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions.

For detailed reporting on the game's chaotic ending and the DK Metcalf incident, see the original source article from The Athletic: Lions-Steelers takeaways: Pittsburgh wins after wild OPI ending; Detroit now playoff longshot.