What should Detroit Lions fans be rooting for in Week 16 in order to position the franchise back toward the NFL playoffs?

Detroit Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard indicated his defense could play less man-to-man coverage to try and limit explosive plays

On Sunday, the Detroit Lions will kick off their most critical stretch of the 2025 season. They're set to battle with Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first of three games that are all virtual must-win contests. Kickoff for the Week 16 affair is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. (EST) at Ford Field.

After poor seasons in four of five years under Dan Campbell, is there hope in the Detroit Lions’ defensive future or are big changes needed?

Despite recent struggles, the Lions fully support Bates. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp indicated that the 26-year-old has made the most practice kicks of any player he has ever been around. With so much charting the past couple of seasons, Fipp is quite confident Bates consistency will eventually showcase itself.

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates is 21-for-27 on FGs this season (with 2 blocked kicks) after missing a 43-yarder last week vs. the Rams.

The Detroit Lions have three weeks to salvage their season. Naturally, you have questions about how it’s all unfolded. It felt like the perfect time for a mailbag.

Ford Field has become a proving ground for opponents and a launching pad for the Lions, and Sunday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers offers Detroit another opportunity to flex its dominance on home turf.