Steelers vs Packers Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Preseason Week 1 on 8/13/2026

The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers kick off their 2026 preseason campaign at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Set for Thursday, August 13, this game begins at 7:00 PM under the lights, with weather conditions expected to be very hot and marked by broken clouds. Fans can catch the action live on NFL Network.

Green Bay, under the guidance of head coach Matt LaFleur, enters the preseason after finishing the previous regular season with a 9-7-1 record. The Packers were competitive in the NFC North, going 4-2 in division games. However, their postseason run was cut short by the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card Round.

Pittsburgh, led by head coach Mike McCarthy, will host the game after a 10-7 regular season in the AFC North. Despite a solid home record of 6-3, the Steelers faced an early postseason exit at the hands of the Houston Texans. The team looks to gain momentum and assess new talent in the preseason opener.

According to sportsbook odds, the Packers are slight favorites with a moneyline of -131, while the Steelers are at +109. The spread is set at -1.5 for Green Bay and +1.5 for Pittsburgh, with the total points over/under at 39.5. Both teams will be eager to start their preseason on a positive note.

Steelers vs Packers At a Glance (Preseason Week 1)

• The game is part of the 2026 Preseason, Week 1.
• The Green Bay Packers are facing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
• Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
• The weather forecast predicts a very hot day with broken clouds.
• Last season, the Packers had a 9-7-1 record while the Steelers finished 10-7-0.
• Consensus odds favor the Packers with a moneyline of -131.

Steelers Ready to Battle: Pittsburgh Steelers Game Preview

Offensive Overview

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to improve on their offensive performance from the 2025 regular season, where they ranked 25th in total offensive yards with 5196 yards. Their average of 23.4 points per game placed them 14th in the league, suggesting potential for growth in scoring efficiency.

Passing was a significant component of their offense, accumulating 3440 yards, ranking 22nd. Despite this, their rushing attack struggled, ranked 25th with 1756 yards, indicating a need for a more balanced offensive approach.

Defensive Strengths

Defensively, the Steelers demonstrated formidable strength with 48 sacks, ranking 5th in the league during the 2025 season. Their ability to generate turnovers was also impressive, with 27 takeaways ranking them 4th.

While they excelled in pass rushing, the Steelers' defense allowed 6068 total yards, ranking 26th. This highlights an area for improvement, particularly in defending the pass, as they allowed 4146 passing yards, ranking 29th.

Key Players to Watch

Aaron Rodgers remains a focal point on the offense, providing veteran leadership and experience. Jaylen Warren, who led the rushing attack last season, will aim to enhance the ground game and provide a reliable option for the team.

On defense, T.J. Watt is a player to watch, known for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. His contributions will be crucial to maintaining the Steelers' pass-rush effectiveness.

Injury Concerns

The Steelers face injury challenges, particularly in the secondary, with key players like Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. dealing with significant injuries. This could impact their pass defense, an area already needing improvement from last season.

Wide receiver Cole Burgess is also out for the season, which may affect their depth at the position and require other players to step up in his absence.

Betting Trends

• As underdogs in the last three regular season games of 2025, the Steelers went 3-0 both straight up and against the spread.
• In preseason away games from 2022 to 2025, they had an 83.3% winning percentage.
• At home during the last eight regular season games in 2025, they recorded a 75% success rate both straight up and against the spread.
• In all regular season games towards the end of 2025, they achieved an 80% win rate both straight up and against the spread.

Green Bay Packers Prepare for Pittsburgh Steelers in Preseason Opener

Quarterback Position and Expectations

The Green Bay Packers are looking ahead to their preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jordan Love, who passed for 3,381 yards last season, will lead the charge from the quarterback position. His performance in the 2025 regular season, where he ranked 13th in passing yards, highlights his potential impact.

Backing up Love is Tyrod Taylor, who provides veteran experience. With the preseason underway, the Packers are eager to see how their quarterback depth develops. This game offers a chance for Taylor and other backup QBs to make their mark.

Running Back Depth and Outlook

Josh Jacobs stands out as the primary running back for the Packers. Last season, he rushed for 929 yards, ranking 20th in the league. His ability to find the end zone with 13 rushing touchdowns was a key asset for Green Bay.

Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd provide depth at the running back position. Both players will aim to showcase their skills in the preseason, offering the Packers options for rotation and versatility. Green Bay will look to establish a strong ground game early against Pittsburgh.

Wide Receiver Corps and Potential Impact

Christian Watson is a key wide receiver for the Packers, having accumulated 611 receiving yards over 10 games last season. His six receiving touchdowns place him among the team's top scoring threats. Watson's performance will be crucial in Green Bay's passing attack.

Matthew Golden and Jayden Reed add depth to the receiving corps. Both players will look to capitalize on their opportunities in the preseason. The Packers aim to test their wide receiver depth and build chemistry ahead of the regular season.

Team Betting Trends

• In the last 5 preseason games following a loss, the Packers are 5-0 straight up and against the spread.
• In the last 3 regular season games as favorites, the Packers have hit the over each time.
• In the last 8 regular season away games, the over has hit 6 times.
• Overall, the Packers are 5-2 straight up in their last 7 preseason games.

Steelers vs Packers Prediction: Over 39.5

The Steelers and Packers have historically been involved in high-scoring games, evidenced by their recent head-to-head records. In their last three meetings, the total score consistently went over the projected 39.5 points. This pattern suggests that both teams are capable of producing a substantial number of points against each other.

The Packers averaged 23 points per game last season, while the Steelers averaged 23.4. These figures indicate that both teams have offenses that can contribute significantly to the scoreline. With each team’s defensive ranks being middle-tier, there's potential for each side to capitalize on offensive opportunities.

In addition, preseason games often see defenses trying out various formations and personnel, which can lead to breakdowns and increased scoring. The warm weather conditions expected for the game can also benefit offenses, as players often perform better in milder weather.

Given the offensive capabilities of both teams and the historical scoring trends, the total score is likely to exceed the set line of 39.5. A projected final score of Packers 28 - Steelers 20 supports this over prediction.

• Steelers vs Packers Prediction: Over 39.5
• Steelers vs Packers Score: Packers 28 - Steelers 20

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