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Packers vs. Steelers: Preview, score prediction for Week 12

By Russell S. Baxter

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 22: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack of Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on October 22, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 22: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack of Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on October 22, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Following a 4-1 start, the Green Bay Packers have dropped four of their last five contests. That includes a 23-10 setback to the Minnesota Vikings back in Week 6 when the team lost quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a broken collarbone.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have won five straight games since being embarrassed by the Jacksonville Jaguars at home in Week 5. Now these longtime franchises clash on Sunday night at Heinz Field.

Keys to Victory

A rejuvenated Steelers’ defense continues to be an unsung factor in the team’s success as of late. While the team comes off a 40-17 Thursday night win over the Tennessee Titans, it was Keith Butler’s unit that stepped up by game’s end. Marcus Mariota was sacked five times and picked off on four occasions in the fifth straight win for Mike Tomlin’s team.

So how does a Green Bay team that has struggled without Rodgers and was shut out at home last week come away with a win in this setting? It will be up the Packers defense to come up with some takeaways. Outside linebacker Nick Perry leads the team with seven sacks. And the Steelers’ offensive line will be without right tackle Marcus Gilbert for the next four games due to a suspension.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Steelers (-14)
Over/Under: 43.5

Related Story: 2017 NFL Power Rankings: Cowboys falling fast

Prediction

Given the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, this could be a trickier game than some might think. The offensive line is down their starting right tackle and rookie wideout Juju Smith-Schuster is out as well. And the Green Bay Packers’ defense has been somewhat stout against the run. It may once again be time for the Steelers’ defense to make life miserable for an opposing quarterback. It could be a second straight rough Sunday for Packers’ quarterback Brett Hundley.

Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers: 31, Green Bay Packers: 19

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