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

Keys for Packers:

Dec 15, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker

(52) on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT

1. Matt Flynn stay in rhythm: Flynn is no Rodgers and that’s good news for the Steelers as Rodgers has thrown for 687 yards and six touchdowns without an interception in two career meetings with Pittsburgh. However since averaging 15.5 points while going winless in four games after losing Rodgers, the Packers (7-6-1) have found an offensive rhythm with Flynn in their last two. He’s gone 50 of 71 for 557 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions while rallying Green Bay to back-to-back victories. He will need a big afternoon for the Packers to make it three in a row.

2. Win the ground game: If the weather is windy, cold and snowy, as forecast, it could make this a run-the-ball game, and that’s where the Packers might have a big edge. Lacy is the kind of power running back built for those kinds of conditions. The Steelers are No. 19 against the run, but that ranking was largely built early in the season when they were struggling in run defense. Depending on the conditions, this could be the feature confrontation of the game. If Lacy has a much better game than fellow rookie Le’Veon Bell, it will bode well for the Packers.

3. Big game from Clay Matthews: Kelvin Beachum is in his second season and was plugged in at left tackle after Mike Adams was benched in October. You beat the Steelers by sacking Roethlisberger. The Steelers beat you when Roethlisberger is able to extend plays. It is as simple for the Packers as Matthews must have a big game.