Betting Odds, Picks and Predictions for Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers for Week 8
An eye-catching inter conference primetime battle highlighted by Aaron Rodgers' first game against his former Packers squad unfolds at Arcisure Stadium on Sunday night. Both Pittsburgh and Green Bay look like legitimate contenders in their respective conferences.
Oddsmakers are projecting a closely contested game, and we break down odds and best bets for this Sunday night clash.
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Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds
*Best lines at time of writing listed
Moneyline: Packers -154 (FanDuel) / Steelers +140 (BetMGM)
Point spread: Packers -3 (FanDuel) / Steelers +3 (DraftKings)
Totals: Over 45.5 points (BetRivers) / Under 45.5 points (DraftKings)
The spread has ping-ponged between 3 and 3.5 points since before Week 7, and the prior slate's results did nothing to really alter the landscape. While the Steelers were embarrassed defensively by the Joe Flacco-Ja'Marr Chase-Tee Higgins trio, Pittsburgh almost emerged with a win in the AFC North battle. Meanwhile the Packers struggled to secure a victory in Arizona despite the Cardinals playing without Kyler Murray.
The total has had a wider range after enjoying a nice bump up from the lowly 43.5 figure that the game sported prior to Week 7. Bettors' offensive expectations subsequently rose enough to push the number as high as 46.5 following the Steelers' 33-31 loss to the Bengals to open Week 7, and after sinking back down to as low as 44.5, the number has volleyed between that figure and 45.5.
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Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Picks
To say the AFC North has been full of surprises so far would be the understatement of the first half of the NFL season. From Joe Burrow's extended absence to the Ravens' precipitous and alarming tumble, the path has somehow cleared for the Steelers. They didn't exactly carry high expectations coming into the campaign, but they sit at the top of the division with a 4-2 record entering Week 8.
Rodgers' play has undeniably been a major factor, as the mercurial future Hall of Famer has carried over the late-season momentum he built with the Jets into his new digs. Rodgers enters this first-ever matchup against his old Packers squad with 1,270 passing yards and a 14:5 TD:INT, completing an impressive 68.6 percent of his throws along the way.
Rodgers has gotten plenty of support from Jaylen Warren and DK Metcalf, while tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith have proven to be effective complementary pieces in a passing attack that lacks stability and depth at wide receiver behind Metcalf. Even with the defense playing below its standards, it's been enough for a strong start and a +10 point differential.
That last figure underscores the fact the Steelers typically play things close, and that happens to match their opponent to a T. The Packers play on the slow side (60.5 plays per game, ranked 18th), and the Steelers have an even more turtle-like pace (54.5 plays per game, ranked 30th). Green Bay also tends to end up in plenty of nail-biters due to its offensive approach and impressive defense. Three of the Pack's four victories to date have come by single digits, along with their tie to the Cowboys.
The motivation level and home field setting for Pittsburgh here is a legitimate intangible for Matt LaFleur's squad to contend with. The Steelers also have a rest advantage as they played on Thursday night in Week 7. The team's prideful defense will also look to atone for what the Bengals did to them in that contest, so I see a +3 line for the Steelers as one they can cover.
Then, we can also consider an SGP that extends the points Pittsburgh is getting and also banks on Josh Jacobs getting to a number he's already hit in five of six games against a defense giving up 4.5 RB yards per contest.
Packers vs. Steelers Best Bets:
- Steelers +3 (-115 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
- SGP: Steelers Alt. Spread +7.5 and Josh Jacobs 50+ rushing yards (-107 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Packers vs. Steelers Prediction
Packers 23, Steelers 21
This could well be one of the closest games of the entire Week 8 slate, as I expect Rodgers to be particularly motivated and Pittsburgh's defense to be especially fired up after an often lackluster start to the season. Nevertheless, Green Bay's ability to run a balanced attack could be just enough to pull out the tight road win, although this game is close enough to be a toss-up.
