The Green Bay Packers open their preseason on the road Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. To show, it’s an NFL odds matchup loaded with personal history. Even though the results themselves will not count.
What makes this particular exhibition interesting is the coaching and quarterback connection. Mike McCarthy is in his first year as the Steelers head coach after a long and successful run in Green Bay. Including a Super Bowl win with Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers is back for what he has called his final NFL season. Hence, he is reunited with McCarthy in Pittsburgh. The veteran quarterback has indicated he is willing to take roughly 30 to 40 snaps across the first two preseason games. Especially if that is what his coach wants.
In turn, McCarthy has expressed interest in seeing him play against the Packers and then the Jets. Whether Rodgers actually takes the field remains a decision that will be finalized closer to game time. But the possibility alone adds a layer of intrigue that most preseason openers lack.
Cause by this is the first preseason game for both clubs, the emphasis will be on evaluation rather than winning. Expect limited snaps from the true starters. Instead, there will be heavy rotation and a focus on young players fighting for roster spots, special-teams roles, and developmental reps.
The Packers will get an early gauge of their offensive continuity. While the Steelers will begin to show whether McCarthy’s scheme and Rodgers’ residual skill can mesh quickly.
The history between these franchises and the personal ties of McCarthy and Rodgers give the night more narrative weight than a typical August contest. However, the real value will come from what the coaching staffs learn about their depth and emerging talent.
Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Betting Info
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 13, 2026, 7:00 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. |
| TV Coverage: | NFL Network. |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packers | -1½ ( -110 ) | 39½ ( -110 ) | -130 |  |
| Steelers | +1½ ( -110 ) | 39½ ( -110 ) | +110 | |
| ||||
The Green Bay Packers open their 2026 preseason on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, August 13. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Eastern time at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. National television coverage comes on the NFL Network.
Packers at Steelers
On the Packers’ online wagering side, Jordan Love will lead the first-team offense as long as Matt LaFleur keeps the starters in. Still, Green Bay is working through several injury situations that will shape how the game unfolds. Edge rusher Micah Parsons remains on the physically unable to perform list. Instead, he continues to recover from last season’s ACL tear and is not expected to play.
Tight end Tucker Kraft was recently activated from the PUP list and is gradually working his way back into practice after his own ACL recovery. His snap count will be carefully managed.
For Pittsburgh, the evening offers the first public look at McCarthy’s offense installed around Rodgers. Correlate that new pieces, such as wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Rico Dowdle, are in the mix. The backup quarterback competition remains unsettled among Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar. Indeed, all three should see meaningful work once the starters depart.
Packers at Steelers SBG Free Picks
To conclude, the NFL Betting side lean here is Green Bay plus the points. Green Bay’s depth and coaching continuity under Matt LaFleur should keep them competitive even after the first-team units depart. Finally, for the total, the under is the stronger bet. Due to constant lineup fluctuation.
Packers at Steelers SBG Best Bets: Green Bay Packers and Under the Total.