Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more

Keys for Steelers:

Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver

(84) against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Heinz Field. The Dolphins won the game, 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

1. Shut Down Eddie Lacy: Quite simply, with no Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers must make Matt Flynn beat them. That means taking Lacy out of the game. Lacy is the Packers’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Ryan Grant in 2009 and ran for 141 yards on 21 carries last week while adding his seventh touchdown in nine games. The Steelers on the other hand have allowed fewer than 75 yards rushing in three of the last four games. If that trend continues the Steelers should leave Green Bay with a win.

2. Take care of the football: Since committing 15 turnovers (10 interceptions) over his first nine games, Ben Roethlisberger has only two giveaways in his last five contests, throwing 12 touchdowns and one pick over that span. In his only regular-season meeting with Green Bay, Roethlisberger threw for a team-record 503 yards and three scores – including one on the final play – in a 37-36 victory over the visiting Packers on Dec. 20, 2009.

3. Make a run at the record books: This Packers defense is not very good, which means some big plays could be had in the passing game, most notably to Antonio Brown. Brown has reached career highs with 95 catches for 1,307 yards and eight touchdowns. He scored for the fifth time in as many games in last week’s win. In addition he sits only 92 yards receiving to break Yancey Thigpen’s 1997 team record of 1,398 yards, a mark he could realistically break this Sunday against Green Bay. If he does so, the next number to watch is Hines Ward’s 2002 record of 112 receptions a number a big game Sunday could get him within reach the following week.