| Green Bay Packers (4-1-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) | |||
| Game Details: Sunday, October 26, 8 p.m. EST | |||
| Location: Acrisure Stadium | |||
| Where to Watch: NBC |
Week 8 Matchup
The Green Bay Packers head to Acrisure Stadium to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even if Aaron Rodgers says there is nothing to see here, everyone will be looking at this game as Mentor vs. Student – also known as Rodgers vs. Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
If anyone is interested in past history, the Steelers have won three of their last four games against the Packers. In addition , Green Bay looks to break a long-standing curse in Pittsburgh, a place they haven’t won since 1970. For history buffs: They haven’t secured a win in Pittsburgh since Richard Nixon was president.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers | -3 | -152 | Over 45.5 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +3 | +128 | Under 45.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Green Bay Packers | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Pittsburgh Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| 26.3 | Points Per Game | 25 |
| 225.8 | Passing Yards Per Game | 203 |
| 117.5 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 94.5 |
| 20.5 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 23.3 |
| 212.0 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 258.8 |
| 76.5 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 115.8 |
Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Green Bay Packers
Injuries are the story for the Packers. The Green Bay offense will be tested without wide receiver Jayden Reed, who is set to miss his fifth consecutive game with foot and shoulder issues. The team is also hoping to get defensive end Lukas Van Ness back on the field after he missed last week’s game against Arizona with a foot injury. On a more positive note, there’s a glimmer of hope for wide receiver Christian Watson, who is practicing again as he recovers from a torn ACL, though his season debut remains uncertain. The injury bug has also hit the defensive line, with Devonte Wyatt (knee) having missed the last two games.
Despite the injuries, the Packers have a game-changer in defensive end Micah Parsons. After being acquired from Dallas, Parsons seems to be hitting his stride, racking up three sacks last week in a thrilling comeback victory over Arizona. His battle against Steelers’ left tackle Broderick Jones will be a key matchup to watch. If Parsons can disrupt Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense, the Packers might just have a shot at finally breaking that long and frustrating losing streak in the Steel City.
Pittsburgh Steelers
At 41 years old, Rodgers isn’t just playing like he’s defying Father Time; he’s rewriting the Pittsburgh Steelers’ record books. After 18 iconic seasons in Green Bay, where he won four MVP awards and a Super Bowl, Rodgers is now the face of the Steelers’ franchise. Through just six games, he has thrown 14 touchdown passes, putting him on a pace to shatter Ben Roethlisberger’s single-season team record of 34 touchdowns set in 2018.
The Steelers’ offensive line faces a monumental task in containing Packers defensive end Micah Parsons. The responsibility will fall heavily on left tackle Broderick Jones, who is in his first full season at the position. Jones showed significant growth a few weeks ago when he successfully contained Cleveland’s star pass-rusher Myles Garrett, holding him without a sack. That performance was a statement, but Parsons presents a different kind of challenge, one that will test Jones from the first snap to the last.
Prediction
All the headlines are about “what Rodgers thinks about playing the Packers.” Although I am sure there are some stories out there, not many have asked how motivated Love is to show “big brother” what he can do. I think Love is motivated and will lead the Packers to a big win.
