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The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Green Bay Packers in a battle of two of the great franchises in NFL history. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Steelers-Packers prediction and pick based on Steelers Packers odds.
Pittsburgh desperately needs a win here. Head coach Mike Tomlin's squad has dropped two games in a row, and they were two contests they were favored to win. The AFC North is looking like one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, so if the Steelers want to keep their playoff hopes alive they need to start winning games now. Green Bay's position isn't nearly as difficult. After a comeback win against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3, the Packers are in firm control of the NFC North. There doesn't seem to be too many threats to their dominance in the division, so another win here should make the North theirs to lose.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the odds for Sunday's showdown.
NFL Odds: Steelers-Packers Odds
Pittsburgh Steelers +7 (-125)
Green Bay Packers -7 (+105)
Over 45 1/2 points (-110)
Under 45 1/2 points (-110)
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Why The Steelers Could Cover The Spread
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Pittsburgh's strength for the last three seasons has been on defense, and this year is no different. The Steelers entered the year looking like one of the best defensive units in the NFL, and they have a chance to get back to that level after two disappointing weeks. Edge rushers TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith should both be in the lineup after missing Week 3 because of various injuries. Watt is easily the best player on the Steelers, and his presence could make a huge difference in a game where the Packers could be missing several starting offensive linemen. Factor that into your Steelers Packers prediction.
Despite their poor offensive start to the season, Pittsburgh still has the ability to put up some points on this Packers team. Green Bay's defense has allowed more than 30 points twice this season, with their only decent defensive showing coming against the lowly Detroit Lions. The Steelers also get starting offensive lineman Zach Banner back from injured reserve for this game, which should help fix a horrific offensive line. If the defense can keep Pittsburgh in the game, there's a good chance this offense does just enough to cover. That is part of the calculus in a Steelers Packers pick.
Why The Packers Could Cover The Spread
Green Bay has been incredibly streaky to start the year, but it feels as if they're finally coming together as a team. Aaron Rodgers seems to be hitting his stride, as he's played back-to-back elite games. Pittsburgh doesn't have a defensive back capable of covering receiver Davante Adams, and running back Aaron Jones is always a problem. The Packers just dropped 30 points on the San Francisco 49ers, a defense that is similar in talent level to the Steelers. It's hard to see Pittsburgh slowing down Green Bay even with the return of TJ Watt. This is why the Steelers Packers odds are where they are.
While it's true that the Packers haven't been a great defensive team, this is a perfect matchup for them to prove how good they are. The Steelers have been downright horrible on offense this season, scoring a combined 50 points over three games. Pittsburgh running back Najee Harris has never finished a game averaging more than four yards per carry. The offensive line has allowed eight sacks of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to go along with a whopping 21 quarterback hits. This is a truly dysfunctional Pittsburgh offense that the Packers should have absolutely zero trouble handling from start to finish. This is something to think about when making a Steelers Packers pick.
Final Steelers-Packers Prediction & Pick
This is a pretty straightforward pick. Following double-digit losses to the Las Vegas Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals, it's nearly impossible to have any faith in the Steelers. On the other hand, the Packers look like they're heating up after a huge win against a tough opponent on the road. Lock in the Packers and don't look back.
FINAL PICK: Green Bay Packers -7 (+105)
