Packers vs. Steelers Prediction, Odds, Spread, Trends for NFL Preseason Week 1

The Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh will begin in Week 1 of the NFL Preseason on Thursday when the Steelers host the Packers. While both teams have announced that they'll play the majority of their starters for at least a portion of the game, it remains to be seen whether or not Aaron Rodgers will take the field.

If he does, it will likely be the last time that he'll face his former team.

Let's dive into the odds and my best bet for Thursday's exhibition showdown.

Packers vs. Steelers Odds, Spread, and Total for Preseason Week 1

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread

Packers -1.5 (-105)
Steelers +1.5 (-115)

Moneyline

Packers -130
Steelers +110

Total

OVER 38.5 (-120)
UNDER 38.5 (+100)

Packers vs. Steelers How to Watch NFL Preseason Week 1

Date: Thursday, August 12
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Acrisure Stadium
How to Watch (TV): NFL Network
Packers record: 0-0
Steelers record: 0-0

Packers vs. Steelers Preseason Betting Trends

Matt LaFleur is 9-10 straight up and 9-10 against the spread as a head coach in the preseason
Mike McCarthy is 31-32 straight up and 30-33 against the spread as a head coach in the preseason

Packers vs. Steelers Key Player to Watch

Rico Dowdle, RB - Pittsburgh Steelers

Rico Dowdle has arrived in Pittsburgh after a season in Carolina where he averaged 4.6 yards per carry. The running back room is crowded in Pittsburgh between Jaylen Warren, Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson, and Travis Homer. How Dowdle performs in the preseason will affect how the carries are split early in the regular season.

Packers vs. Steelers Prediction and Pick

Both head coaches in this game have similar preseason records, sitting at around .500, which leaves us with no edge when it comes to determining which one will be trying harder to win the game. Both coaches largely use the games as an evaluation tool, so expect to see plenty of young talent in the game.

In this situation, I'm going to target the team with both the younger roster and the head coach who has been there longer. McCarthy may need some time to find his footing in preseason, while LaFleur knows what he's looking for in Green Bay and will feel more comfortable in the opening week of preseason.

I'll back the Packers as slight road favorites.

Pick: Packers -1.5 (-105) via DraftKings

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