Packers v. Steelers: Injury Reports, Game Preview & Final Predictions
By Paul Bretl
After their big road win over San Francisco, the Green Bay Packers are back home at Lambeau Field to take on the 1-2 Pittsburgh Steelers, who have lost two straight games.
Below you can find a few articles to help you prepare for this matchup, along with the injury reports and our final predictions for how this game will play out.
Green Bay Packers v. Steelers Game Preview
Packers v. Steelers: 5 Big Questions
Packers v. Steelers: 3 Key Matchup to Watch
Packers v. Steelers: Behind Enemy Lines
7 Stats to Know about the Steelers
Injury Reports
Green Bay Packers
Krys Barnes – QUESTIONABLE
Jack Heflin – QUESTIONABLE
Vernon Scott – QUESTIONABLE
Elgton Jenkins – DOUBTFUL
Kevin King – DOUBTFUL
Marquez Valdes-Scantling – OUT
Pittsburgh Steelers
Carlos Davis – OUT
Chukwuma Okorafor – OUT
Rashaad Coward – OUT
Chase Claypool – OUT
Staff Predictions
Kenny Jilek (1-2)
Despite this Steelers’ defense being full of big names like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Hayward, they’ve still given up 24 points per game across their first three contests. Now, they have faced some potent offenses, including Josh Allen’s Bills and Derek Carr’s Raiders, but the Green Bay Packers are just as good as those teams and could definitely put an extra touchdown on the board, especially after scoring 30 in both of their past contests. They’ll look to keep showing that week one was nothing more than a fluke.
Defensively, the Packers will have to match up against a host of weapons for Pittsburgh, including Diontae Johnson, Najee Harris, Eric Ebron, and Juju Smith-Schuster. One key component missing from the equation, however, is second-year receiver Chase Claypool, who is out with an injury this week after being targeted 15 times last week. The Steelers will have to adjust their gameplan without him, and hopefully, Green Bay can take advantage.
Prediction: Packers 31 – Steelers 20
Matt LeVene (2-1)
The Green Bay Packers need their defense to come ready to play in their Week 4 matchup against the Steelers. Beyond rookie running back Najee Harris, the Pittsburgh offense has looked pedestrian at best, and it is on Joe Barry to keep it that way. I am looking for middle linebacker De’Vondre Cambell to have a big impact on this game. His play against the run is imperative, but perhaps more important will be his ability (or inability) to cover Harris out of the backfield. Limiting the rookie playmaker will keep the Steelers out of rhythm and will go a long way in determining the Packers’ success on defense.
On offense, protecting Aaron Rodgers from the ferocious Steeler pass rush will be the key to victory. Rodgers is the force that makes the Packers go, so allowing him time in the pocket to make plays is a recipe to remaining perfect at home this season. Without their deep threat specialist, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, someone else will need to step up.
I predict that Amari Rodgers and Malik Taylor will have ample opportunities to display their abilities in this one and that Amari Rodgers will score his first career touchdown.
Prediction: Packers 27 – Steelers 20
Paul Bretl (1-2)
The Green Bay Packers defense should have the opportunity to build off their performance against San Francisco. While Pittsburgh has some weapons on offense, they also have an offensive line unit that is allowing their RBs to average only 3.2 yards per rush and a group that ranks 27th in ESPN’s pass block win rate. This also isn’t the same Ben Roethlisberger that we’ve seen in the past.
On offense, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Packers roll out a similar game plan as what they did a week ago. The Steelers also have a stout pass rush led by TJ Watt, so I’m expecting more chipping from Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan to help the offensive line, with plenty of carries for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, along with quick passes from Aaron Rodgers to get the ball out of his hands.
Ultimately, I just don’t think this Pittsburgh offense, which is averaging only 16.7 points per game, can keep up with the Packers’ offense.
Prediction: Packers 27 – Steelers 17