It’s not exactly a secret that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers usually plays well when he has a rather large chip on his throwing shoulder.

While the Oct. 26 Sunday night game with his former team, the Green Bay Packers, is a far different grudge match than Rodgers’ opening-day tussle with the New York Jets, you can bet Rodgers has this under-the-bright-lights showdown with his former team highlighted, circled and capitalized.

Rodgers threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns in his “revenge” game against the Jets.

While nearly every storyline this week will have Rodgers’ name in it, there are also 52 other players on the Steelers roster and the AFC North leaders (4-2) are coming off a poor defensive performance and a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Packers (4-1-1) are playing their second straight game on the road and fourth in five games. Green Bay has only one of its four victories away from Lambeau Field.

Here’s more on the game in Pittsburgh:

What time is Packers vs Steelers on Sunday?

Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m.

What channel is Packers vs Steelers on Sunday?

NBC (available locally on Channel 4 in Milwaukee and Channel 26 in Green Bay)

How can I stream the Packers-Steelers game?

The game can be streamed on Peacock and the NBC Sports app. Also, Fubo has a free trial for new subscribers.

The Emotional Core

Inside the locker room, defensive captain Kenny Clark summed it up best: “This ain’t just another Sunday. This is pride.”

That’s what drives this Packers roster — the sting of recent losses, the frustration of underachievement, the desire to prove that rebuilding doesn’t mean retreating.

The team’s younger players, from Jayden Reed to Luke Musgrave, have begun to understand what these moments mean. “Coach told us — the league remembers who you are in games like this,” Reed said. “You either show up or you disappear.”

Fans Hold Their Breath

Back in Wisconsin, anticipation hums like a live wire. Local bars are already draped in green-and-gold banners. Families plan early tailgates, even if the game’s across the country. For Packers fans, “next game” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a ritual, a heartbeat.

On social media, predictions range from cautious optimism to full-blown hope. “Steelers are tough, but this is our statement game,” wrote one fan on Reddit. Another added: “We beat Pittsburgh, and the league starts paying attention again.”

That’s the emotional truth here. The Packers don’t need perfection — they need belief.

The Coaching Chess Match

Matt LaFleur’s calm demeanor hides his intensity. Privately, staffers say he’s spent more time on this week’s film than any in recent memory. The Steelers’ disguised blitzes and motion traps require surgical preparation.

“Tomlin doesn’t blink,” LaFleur admitted midweek. “His guys play disciplined, and they make you earn everything.”

The plan? Simplify, stabilize, and strike early. The Packers have been plagued by slow starts — averaging just 4.3 points in first quarters this season. Against a Steelers defense that feeds on early leads, that trend can’t continue.

What’s at Stake

It’s easy to call Week-8 games “just another Sunday,” but this one carries weight far beyond standings. It’s about trajectory — for Love, for LaFleur, for the franchise’s next era.

A win reaffirms faith. A loss reopens every offseason question. And in Green Bay, where patience is revered but pressure never sleeps, that balance matters.

“This is where you find out who you really are,” said linebacker Quay Walker. “When the lights come on in Pittsburgh, there’s nowhere to hide.”

Voices From the Past

Former Packers great Donald Driver weighed in this week during a local radio appearance: “People forget, it’s not about stats — it’s about statement. Beating Pittsburgh means you can handle chaos. You can handle pressure.”

That sentiment echoed through the facility Friday. The veterans nodded; the rookies listened. The message was clear — composure isn’t optional. It’s the only currency that matters.

The X-Factors

Every game turns on hidden moments. This one might hinge on Green Bay’s offensive line, which faces one of its toughest assignments yet. Rookie guard Sean Rhyan will have his hands full against Cam Heyward, one of the league’s most technically sound interior defenders.

If they hold — if Love gets time — the Packers have the speed to strike. Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson can stretch the field, and Reed’s route precision could exploit soft zones. But that all depends on protection.

“Five guys have to breathe as one,” said offensive line coach Luke Butkus. “If we do that, everything opens.”

The Pittsburgh Challenge

Meanwhile, the Steelers come into this game riding the momentum of another gritty win. Kenny Pickett’s confidence is growing, George Pickens remains a deep threat, and Najee Harris continues to grind out tough yards.