2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 4

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)

Sunday, October 3, 4:25PM PT

Right now, these two teams’ arrows are pointed in different directions. The Green Bay Packers have won two straight, shaking off an ugly Week 1 meltdown. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers have limped to a 1-2 start and needed a sizable second-half comeback to get that lone win.

It’s looking like this could be it for Ben Roethlisberger. He isn’t the playmaking quarterback we’ve known for so many years, although he isn’t getting much from this front five. Injuries have hampered the Pittsburgh receiving corps, and constantly playing from behind has limited Najee Harris’ opportunities to shine.

On the other side of the ball, the Packers are getting hot. Aaron Rodgers is playing like, well, Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Jones is also having a big season, and Davante Adams is his usual self. Even the Green Bay defense is stepping up and relying on their talented secondary to slow opponents down.

As much as I’d love for the Steelers to have a bounce-back offensive performance (for fantasy sake — Harris is my starter), I don’t see it happening here. Pittsburgh is on a steep decline, while the Packers are finally revving their engine. Green Bay moves to 3-1, while the Steelers start to ponder if the postseason is even an option.

Prediction: Packers win 28-24 | Spread: Packers (-6.5)