Steelers (1-2) at Packers (2-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Packers by 6 ⁄2
1
Steelers’ keys to victory: Pressure Aaron Rodgers and get more efficient production on offense. Without OLB T.J. Watt (groin injury), the Steelers failed to sack Bengals QB Joe Burrow in Week 3. In fact, the defense didn’t even register a QB hit. Rodgers will carve up the Steelers if he’s playing from clean pockets. Maybe Watt can return to spark the pass rush. The offensive comeback must start with more efficiency in the passing game. QB Ben Roethlisberger took four sacks, averaged 5.5 yards per passing attempt and threw two interceptions against the Bengals. Of his 38 completions, 14 went to RB Najee Harris. The Steelers must find better ways of getting the ball to their playmakers.
Packers’ keys to victory: Play on time on offense and generate takeaways on defense. Rodgers is nearly unstoppable when he’s throwing in rhythm within the structure of the offense. With question marks along the offensive line, getting the ball out of his hands is key, and the Packers often use the short passing game with WR Davante Adams to mitigate the pass rush. The defense is still finding its way, but turnovers can smooth everything out. The Packers have two takeaways in each of the last two games. The Steelers are the worst rushing offense in football through three weeks.
Matchup to watch: Steelers’ Harris vs. Packers LB De’Vondre Campbell. Making sure Harris’ touches remain inefficient is the goal for Campbell and the Packers.
Who wins? The SNF win in San Fran showed the Pack are legit.
Packers, 27-17