AP predicting Aaron Rodgers to claim victory over his former team
AP pro picks
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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 (+3) 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.
Pro Picks likes the upset. Upset special: Steelers, 24-23
Elsewhere:
San Francisco at Houston (-1.5): 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. Best bet: Texans, 23-18
Tampa Bay (-4) at New Orleans: 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. Buccaneers, 24-17
New York Jets at Cincinnati (-6.5): 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 at New England (-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. Patriots, 23-17
Buffalo (-7.5) at Carolina: 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
Chicago at Baltimore (-6.5): 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 at Atlanta (-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. Falcons, 28-18
New York Giants at Philadelphia (-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. Eagles, 31-22
Dallas at Denver (-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 at Indianapolis (-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. Colts, 29-16
Washington at Kansas City (-12.5): 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. 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.