Green Bay Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers Picks and Prediction for Thursday August 13 2026
The Green Bay Packers visit the Pittsburgh Steelers for an NFL preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with CBS/KDKA providing regional coverage in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are 1.5-point favorites, Green Bay is available at +1.5, and the total is set at 37.5. Pittsburgh is approximately -135 on the moneyline, while the Packers are priced around +112. Football bettors can find additional analysis throughout the season by visiting our free NFL picks.
The preseason opener contains an unusual collection of connections between the two franchises. Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy won a Super Bowl during his long tenure in Green Bay and has reunited with Aaron Rodgers for what Rodgers has announced will be his final NFL season. However, playing time remains the most important uncertainty. McCarthy had not made a final decision regarding Rodgers’ participation when this preview was written.
Green Bay Brings Experienced Quarterback Depth
Green Bay enters another season under head coach Matt LaFleur with Jordan Love established as its starting quarterback. Love could receive a brief opening-series appearance, but LaFleur has not confirmed an extensive workload for his starters. Protecting the franchise quarterback will be more important than producing an impressive result in the first exhibition game.
Tyrod Taylor is positioned to handle the primary backup duties behind Love. The veteran has accumulated more than 13,000 passing yards during his NFL career and brings considerable experience to a setting dominated by reserve players. His mobility should also help Green Bay survive protection breakdowns that commonly occur when second-string offensive linemen are working together for the first time.
Kyle McCord and Kyron Drones are the other quarterbacks competing for opportunities. McCord spent time developing in Green Bay’s system last season, while Drones offers a different dimension with his mobility. One or both could receive substantial second-half work as the Packers evaluate their developmental options. Their performances may ultimately determine whether Green Bay can cover after Taylor completes his scheduled possessions.
The Packers should emphasize their running game and evaluate the depth behind their established starters. Matt LaFleur generally operates a structured offensive system that can help reserve quarterbacks produce manageable completions. However, Green Bay’s younger quarterbacks could face difficulties if Pittsburgh’s defensive reserves consistently create pressure.
Pittsburgh Begins the Mike McCarthy Era
This will be Mike McCarthy’s first game as Pittsburgh’s head coach. The setting provides an interesting opening assignment because McCarthy faces the franchise he coached from 2006 through part of the 2018 season. Although preseason results are secondary to player evaluation, the Steelers should be organized and motivated for the beginning of a new coaching era.
Aaron Rodgers sits atop Pittsburgh’s initial quarterback depth chart. Rodgers has said he is willing to play against Green Bay if McCarthy wants him on the field, but the Steelers had not announced a final decision. Even a short appearance would give Pittsburgh an early advantage, particularly because of Rodgers’ familiarity with both McCarthy’s offense and several concepts traditionally used by Green Bay.
The Steelers possess excellent experience behind Rodgers. Mason Rudolph is the second quarterback on the depth chart and has previously started meaningful regular-season games for Pittsburgh. His familiarity with the organization and ability to manage an offense against reserve defenders make him one of the most important handicapping factors in this matchup.
Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar are positioned behind Rudolph. Howard has already spent a season developing within the organization, while Allar will be making his first NFL preseason appearance. Pittsburgh could use the second half to compare both developmental quarterbacks, but Rudolph should receive enough early work to give the Steelers stability after Rodgers departs or sits out.
Pittsburgh also has several competitive offensive position battles. Jaylen Warren leads a backfield that includes Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson, while the reserve receivers are attempting to earn roles behind the established starters. McCarthy is expected to install a balanced offense, making the performance of Pittsburgh’s backup offensive line and running backs especially important.
Green Bay Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers Picks and Prediction
- Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers -1.5
Pittsburgh is the preferred side at a short number. The Steelers have the deeper collection of quarterbacks, beginning with the possibility of Rodgers receiving a brief appearance. Rudolph then gives Pittsburgh an experienced passer capable of operating the offense efficiently against Green Bay’s second-string defense.
Green Bay is also well equipped at quarterback because Taylor is an accomplished veteran. However, the advantage could shift toward Pittsburgh once the teams reach the developmental portion of their rotations. Howard has already spent time in the organization, while McCarthy has multiple experienced options available before turning the offense over to Allar.
Home field carries less significance during the preseason, but Pittsburgh should benefit from opening the McCarthy era at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers only need to win by two points at the current line. Their combination of veteran quarterback depth, a new coaching staff, and several competitive roster battles makes them the slightly more trustworthy selection.
- Pick: Under 37.5
The under is the preferred total. Rodgers and Love are unlikely to play extensively even if both starters participate. Once they leave, the coaching staffs should prioritize protecting the football, evaluating offensive linemen, and establishing their rushing depth.
Taylor and Rudolph are capable of generating scoring drives, but both veterans are also experienced enough to avoid forcing throws into coverage. Their ability to manage the game could produce sustained possessions without necessarily creating touchdowns. The pace could slow further when McCord, Drones, Howard, and Allar begin receiving their opportunities.
First preseason games frequently include penalties, missed blocking assignments, and conservative fourth-quarter decisions. Pittsburgh has enough quarterback stability to win and cover, but the overall scoring environment should remain modest. A Steelers victory in the low twenties would keep the game beneath the available total.
Final Score Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 20, Green Bay Packers 14