Pro Picks: Steelers will edge the
Packers to give Aaron Rodgers a victory over his former team
[October 23, 2025]
By ROB MAADDI
Aaron Rodgers already beat one former team. Now, he’s going against
his original one.
Rodgers faces the Green Bay Packers for the first time when they
visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. The four-time NFL MVP
led the Packers to a Super Bowl title 15 years ago and was traded to
the New York Jets in 2023.
Rodgers and the Steelers (4-2) beat the Jets in Week 1. The Packers
(4-1-1) present a more difficult challenge.
Micah Parsons, who didn’t get the win against his old team, was
unblockable last week, registering three sacks. He should give
Rodgers trouble all night.
But the Packers haven’t been dominant since Week 1. They lost to the
Browns, tied the Cowboys and had to rally to beat the Cardinals.
The Steelers are coming off extra rest following a loss to the
Bengals.
Green Bay is a 3-point favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook. Pro Picks
likes the upset.
UPSET SPECIAL: STEELERS: 24-23
SAN FRANCISCO (5-2) at HOUSTON (2-4)
Line: Texans minus 1 1/2
The 49ers are 4-1 with Mac Jones filling in for Brock Purdy.
Christian McCaffery is doing everything for an offense missing
several receivers. Even without stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, San
Francisco’s defense excelled against Atlanta. Houston’s offense has
held the team back while the defense has been formidable. The
offensive line is still struggling to protect C.J. Stroud and the
run game is lacking. The 49ers are 1-13 against the spread in their
last 14 games following a win.
BEST BET: TEXANS: 23-18
MINNESOTA (3-3) at LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (4-3)
Line: Chargers minus 3 1/2
Carson Wentz makes his fifth start for J.J. McCarthy. He’s been good
in wins, erratic in a loss to the Eagles last week. If he protects
the ball, Wentz usually has success. Wentz is 7-0 straight up and
6-1 against the spread in his career on Thursdays. The Vikings need
to fix a defense that gave up too many big plays passing. Justin
Herbert and the Chargers have lost three of four. Underdogs have won
outright three straight Thursdays.
CHARGERS: 23-22
TAMPA BAY (5-2) at NEW ORLEANS (1-6)
Line: Buccaneers minus 4
Baker Mayfield is coming off his worst game of the season and the
Buccaneers lost Mike Evans for a significant period. But they have
talented playmakers to help them overcome a big loss. They just need
other stars to get healthy. The struggling Saints present a
bounce-back opportunity for Tampa Bay, which has won five of the
last six meetings. QB Spencer Rattler is 0-6 ATS as a home underdog.
BUCCANEERS: 24-17
NEW YORK JETS (0-7) at CINCINNATI (3-4)
Line: Bengals minus 6 1/2
Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor? The Jets have been dismal no matter
who is under center. Joe Flacco has rejuvenated Cincinnati’s
offense. But the Bengals are 2-5 ATS on extra rest under coach Zac
Taylor with backup quarterbacks.
BENGALS: 23-18
CLEVELAND (2-5) at NEW ENGLAND (5-2)
Line: Patriots minus 7
Myles Garrett and Cleveland’s top-ranked defense present a tough
challenge for Drake Maye and the Patriots. Rookie RB Quinshon
Judkins is coming off a three-TD game, taking pressure off rookie QB
Dillon Gabriel. Maye has been outstanding for the Patriots and Mike
Vrabel has turned the team around quickly. The Browns are 0-14
straight up, 1-13 ATS when they allow three sacks or more.
PATRIOTS: 23-17
BUFFALO (4-2) at CAROLINA (4-3)
Line: Bills minus 7 1/2
Josh Allen and the Bills had an extra week to reflect on two
straight losses. They’ll be eager to get back on track. The Panthers
have won three in a row and are unbeaten in three games at home but
Bryce Young is dealing with an ankle injury.
BILLS: 27-18
[to top of second column] |
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the
field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals
in Cincinnati Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
CHICAGO (4-2) at BALTIMORE (1-5)
Line: Ravens minus 6 1/2
Ben Johnson has led the Bears to four straight wins. D’Andre Swift
has run wild while Caleb Williams is still inconsistent, and the
defense is forcing turnovers at a fast pace with 15 in the last four
games. A bye came at the right time for injury-riddled Baltimore.
Lamar Jackson should be back for the Ravens, who are big favorites
despite a terrible start. Jackson has lost two straight against NFC
opponents after going 23-1.
RAVENS: 29-20
MIAMI (1-6) at ATLANTA (3-3)
Line: Falcons minus 7
The Dolphins are a mess and it seems like a matter of time before
coach Mike McDaniel is out. The up-and-down Falcons need to rebound
again after a lackluster offensive effort vs. San Francisco. Bijan
Robinson was held under 100 scrimmage yards for the first time in
that game. He could go over 200 against Miami. Tua Tagovailoa is 1-9
straight up in his last 10 road games.
FALCONS: 28-18
NEW YORK GIANTS (2-5) at PHILADELPHIA (5-2)
Line: Eagles minus 7
Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and the Giants dominated the Eagles a
couple weeks ago. Now they’re coming off a devastating loss where
the defense blew an 18-point lead in the final 6 minutes at Denver.
Jalen Hurts was flawless and the passing attack broke out against
Minnesota. The Eagles are still waiting for Saquon Barkley and the
run game to get going. Hurts is 28-4 straight up as a favorite at
home.
EAGLES: 31-22
DALLAS (3-3-1) at DENVER (5-2)
Line: Broncos minus 3
Dak Prescott is leading the NFL’s top-ranked offense. But the
problem for the Cowboys is their 32nd-ranked defense. Denver has the
No. 3 defense, which presents a big challenge for Prescott, CeeDee
Lamb and George Pickens. The Cowboys haven’t defeated the Broncos
since 1995, going 0-7.
BRONCOS: 27-22
TENNESSEE (1-6) at INDIANAPOLIS (6-1)
Line: Colts minus 14
The Titans showed some positive signs with a fast start under
interim coach Mike McCoy before things fell apart last week. Cam
Ward is getting sacked too much and turning the ball over. The Colts
have been the NFL’s biggest surprise behind Daniel Jones and
Jonathan Taylor. Indianapolis has won five straight against
Tennessee and has covered the spread each time.
COLTS: 29-16
WASHINGTON (3-4) at KANSAS CITY (4-3)
Line: Chiefs minus 12 1/2
Jayden Daniels is dealing with a hamstring injury for the
Commanders, who would match last season’s loss total if they don’t
pull off a major upset. Patrick Mahomes has all his playmakers, the
defense is stout and the Chiefs are playing like Super Bowl
contenders.
CHIEFS: 27-16
___
Last week: Straight up: 13-2. Against spread: 8-7.
Overall: Straight up: 79-28-1. Against spread: 55-52-1.
Prime-time: Straight up: 14-11-1. Against spread: 12-14.
Best Bet: Straight up: 6-1. Against spread: 5-2.
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