The Green Bay Packers are in the Steel City tonight to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football at 7:25 PM CST from Acrisure Stadium. Despite a 27-23 victory in Arizona last week, which brought them to a 4-1-1 record and handed them possession of the best record in the NFC, the Packers still seem to be struggling to put together a complete football game. They'd better be sharp tonight as they face a 4-2 Steelers team coming off a heartbreaking 33-31 loss to the Bengals on Thursday night football. This could be a statement game for both teams in an effort to remain regarded amongst the league's elite. Not to mention, the Packers haven't won in Pittsburgh since 1970; it's time for history to change. 

The last time these two teams met was on November 12, 2023, in Pittsburgh, when the Steelers came out on top, 23-19. Jordan Love went 21/40 for 289 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions while the Steelers' running game was the biggest factor, racking up 205 total yards on the ground led by running backs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, who accounted for 101 and 82 yards, respectively. After falling to a record of 3-6 after this loss, the Packers moved on to a 6-2 record afterwards, propelling their way to a playoff berth in Jordan Love's first season as a starter. 

Last week's game, once again, saw the Packers seemingly struggle against a team that they were expected to outplay. They got into penalty trouble again, racking up 10 flags for a total of 94 yards, and they struggled to play complementary football between offense and defense. The one saving grace is that when it mattered the most in the fourth quarter, the offense was able to put up 14 points while the defense only allowed three. Micah Parsons had a career game, grabbing three of the six sacks on Jacoby Brissett, and the Packers' pass rush will look to capitalize on that progress going forward. 

It's a bit of an emotional game for the Packers today, facing their former QB1, Aaron Rodgers. Here's what to expect from today's game:

What to See on Offense

The offense got off to a slow start last week, only putting up two field goals in the first half. One of those field goals came after the Packers received the ball with only seven seconds left in the half. Jordan Love hit Romeo Doubs for a 22-yard gain to the AZ 43, and a 61-yard franchise record-breaking field goal followed. It was hoped that fortune would follow the Packers into the second half, but at the start of the 3rd quarter, the Packers' offense promptly went three and out. The defense getting the ball back in their hands three plays later, however, jolted the offense to earn touchdowns on three out of the four drives that followed. We need more of that second-half offense to show up all game long, especially today. 

For as long as I can remember, the Steelers have had a good defense. It's like a calling card for the team; their defense is always going to be strong. Except for the 2025 season so far. They're 28th in total defense, 31st against the pass, and 17th against the run. While this could spell a good day for Jordan Love and company, the names on the jerseys across from them tell me not to count the Steelers' D out just yet. TJ Watt is a threat to get to the quarterback every time he steps onto the field. With four sacks so far this season, he trails only his fellow Badger LB Nick Herbig, who possesses 4.5. In front of them on the defensive line, they have another Badger in Keeanu Benton, as well as first-round pick Derrick Harmon, teaming up with one of the best veteran defensive linemen in the league, Cam Hayward, who are all no strangers to chasing the QB themselves. 

The Packers' offensive line has kept Jordan Love pretty clean the last three games, only being sacked once per game. Our preferred starters along the front five have been banged up, but should be all set to go today to hopefully continue that minimal sack allowance streak strong. 

If Jordan Love stays out of sack trouble, the Pittsburgh secondary has struggled. Veteran CB Jalen Ramsey leads the team with five passes defended, with Joey Porter Jr. close behind with four. Darius Slay rounds out the CBs with DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill at safety.

Christian Watson is doing what he can to play today for the first time since his ACL injury in the 2024 season, but per Matt LaFleur, it will be a medical decision whether or not he goes. If he does, I personally can't wait to see how he's utilized alongside Matthew Golden. The speed of both receivers together could give the Steelers' defense fits, but even if cleared, I would imagine he may be on a limited snap count. Golden, however, is questionable with a hip injury. My guess is he'll be ready to go, as not a lot has been made about it, and we know the Packers love to mark everything they can on the injury list, but if not, the receivers group will be very short-handed. Outside of Watson and Golden, Dontayvion Wicks is out today with a calf injury, leaving Romeo Doubs, Savion Williams, and Malik Heath as the only healthy receiver options.

Tucker Kraft will likely factor into this game with the Packers looking to neutralize the pass rush with quick throws. The Steelers have been inconsistent vs tight ends, giving up a few big games to Hunter Henry and Harold Fannin Jr. So, look for Tucker Kraft to possibly be a big difference maker again this week. 

On to the running game. Josh Jacobs has overcome illness and injury to once again become a big factor in the Packers' offense. Is it his drive to overcome adversity? Or the offensive line being healthy again? I like both stories. Today, he faces a Steelers' defense that's given up 117.5 rushing yards per game.

This matchup could go either way in my eyes. The Steelers' front seven have had their ups and downs against the run, but so have the Packers moving the ball on the ground. The Packers, though, haven't had their front five together very often, and each week presents more time to gel as a unit. Eventually, I think this running offense is going to take off. Maybe today the fire will be lit. 

What to See on Defense

Gather around everyone. Once upon a time, there was a Packers quarterback named Aaron Rodgers. Okay, fine, if you're reading this, you probably know who Aaron Rodgers is. Tonight, the Packers get to face their former QB1. While from a fan standpoint, there isn't a lot of animosity towards Aaron Rodgers, and while in the media, Rodgers and the Packers have stated there's no bad blood, let's be real, Rodgers would love nothing more than to demolish his former team, and the Packers would love nothing more than to embarrass their former QB. But that's only on the field between kick-off and the final whistle. After tonight, everything will be cordial again. 

The Packers' secondary has struggled against the quick pass game. They will have that challenge again tonight as Aaron Rodgers has done very well at getting the ball out of his hands quickly. His tight ends, Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington, are all big targets in the quick game, and if you keep up with my game day previews, you'll know I love to comment that the Packers' struggling against tight ends seems to be a tale as old as time. Last week, Trey McBride had ten catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Easily the top target for Jacoby Brissett, and he was seemingly left wide open at times. That cannot happen today. Despite being 41 years old, Aaron Rodgers is still better than Jacoby Brissett, and he will make us pay. 

Looking at the receivers, Rodgers has DK Metcalf, who can also be a threat in the quick game as well as a big-play threat. I'm throwing up a hope and a prayer that the threat of a QB like Aaron Rodgers had Jeff Hafley working overtime to put together a plan for the secondary, because they have struggled. If there's a time for Nate Hobbs to show why the Packers brought him in and gave him the big bucks, that time may be tonight on a big stage. 

When it comes to getting after the quarterback, Pittsburgh's offensive line has struggled with consistency in protection, but it's worth noting that they've only allowed two sacks in the last four games. It's also worth noting that Aaron Rodgers isn't quite as mobile as he used to be, making it tough for him to escape when protection breaks down. How do you cure these issues? Get the ball out quickly, and that's exactly what they've done. Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary are going to have to take full advantage whenever Rodgers has to hold on to the ball for more than two or three seconds. 

And now to the running game. I mentioned that the last time these two teams met, Pittsburgh diced Green Bay on the ground. Well, one half of that rushing attack remains on the team in Jaylen Warren. Warren is coming off a big game against Cincinnati and will be looking for more, but the Packers could be getting a boost tonight with the return of Devonte Wyatt from injury, who is questionable. Even in Wyatt's absence, the Packers have still done a good job against the run, only allowing 55 and 94 yards on the ground against Cincinnati and Arizona.

I'm not sure how thrilled I am to say the game will likely be in the hands of Aaron Rodgers for the Steelers' offense, but the Packers may have an advantage against the run, putting the ball mainly in his hands. 

Extra Notes

Lucas Havrisik has made many of us question the Packers' future at the kicker position. But in a good way. While subbing for Brandon McManus, Havrisik has been outstanding in converting all of his kick attempts, including etching his name in Packers' franchise history by kicking the longest field goal nailed by any Packer, which was 61 yards. This week, though, McManus is questionable and may be active. There may be some sore feelings from fans on that front from a few fans hoping Havrisik would get the nod, but from a team management standpoint, you need to take the consistent veteran over a journeyman. I wouldn't doubt the Packers may try to place Havrisik on the practice squad, but he likelihood of another team luring him away could be high. 

For the Steelers, they have the always outstanding Chris Boswell. Boswell is 10/12 this season, including a 60-yarder, and I don't see that consistency ending any time soon. 

On to the punters, Daniel Whelan is still top ten in the league in net average with 43.2, with Pittsburgh's Corliss Waitman sitting around 20th with 40.6. 

Kickoff and punt returns continue to be a bit average for the Packers, with Savion Williams splitting returns with Bo Melton, while the Steelers have Kenneth Gainwell and Ke'Shawn Williams, who also have been around the middle of the pack.

Penalties continue to be an issue on kicks, however, for the Packers, both in returns and coverage. While the special teams mistakes haven't been quite as egregious as they were in the weeks preceding the Bye week, they are still present and need addressing.   

In the End

There's a small part of me that wishes this game were in Green Bay. Why? Because I would love to compare the crowd reaction to Aaron Rodgers walking out of the visitor's tunnel in a Steelers uniform to Brett Favre walking out in a Vikings uniform. There would likely be a huge difference. It's going to be odd watching number 12 (well, now 8) line up against the Packers, but believe me when I say, we all hope he fails and the Packers head home victorious. We just hope he stays healthy. If Rashan Gary gets to Rodgers, he'll probably take good care of him, but we don't want to be the ones to put the old man on injured reserve in what has been called his last season, if you know what I mean. 

Next week, the Packers will have their 1923 throwback game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau in what is sure to be a fun game. I will never grow tired of the Green and Gold, but it's fun to switch it up on occasion for history's sake. Hopefully, we will head into the game with a 5-1-1 record. Go Pack Go.