The matchup
The storyline outshines the stakes: Aaron Rodgers gets an early look at his former team as Pittsburgh hosts Green Bay. On the field it is a coin flip, with the Steelers a nominal point-and-a-half favorite.
As with every preseason opener, the result hinges less on the names on the marquee than on how long each coach plays his front-line group before turning it over to backups and roster-bubble players. Treat the line accordingly: it is a read on playing time as much as talent.
Our read
A note on these: we do not run a probability model for NFL preseason, and no one should. This is a low-information spot, so the pick below is an editorial lean and the right stake is a small one.
A low total in a first live game between two teams still installing offenses is the cleanest angle. Openers are rusty and playcalling is vanilla, so the under is the side we prefer to a near pick-em spread.
Two patterns hold up across preseason history: teams laying more than a touchdown cover at a poor rate, and openers tend to stay under as rusty offenses sputter. When in doubt on this slate, that is the framework, and playing time is the variable to check right before kickoff.
Frequently asked questions
- What time is Green Bay Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers and where can I watch?
- Green Bay Packers play Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET in NFL preseason Week 1, on NFL Network. It is one of 16 preseason openers across August 13 to 15.
- What are the odds for Packers vs Steelers?
- FanDuel lists the game at Steelers -1.5, with a total of 36.5 points. Preseason spreads are short and move with news about how long each team will play its starters, so shop the number before kickoff.
- What is the best bet for Packers vs Steelers?
- Our lean is Under 36.5. A low total in a first live game between two teams still installing offenses is the cleanest angle. Openers are rusty and playcalling is vanilla, so the under is the side we prefer to a near pick-em spread. This is an editorial read, not model output, and preseason confidence should be low, so keep the stake small.
- Is it worth betting NFL preseason games?
- Preseason is a low-information environment: front-line starters play a handful of snaps, and games turn on backups, rookies, and roster-bubble players. Coaching tendencies, depth, and playing time matter more than talent, so lean on totals and situational angles, treat it as entertainment, and bet small.
Odds are FanDuel prices as of 2026-08-11 and move before kickoff; other US books price the same markets. Picks are editorial analysis, not model output, and not betting advice. 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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