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Football tips

Brown can lead the Steelers onslaught

Packers continue to struggle without Rodgers

Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown scored three times against Tennessee
Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown scored three times against TennesseeCredit: Getty Images

Sky Sports Action, 1.30am Sunday night

Everything has fallen apart for the Packers since Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone in their Week Six defeat to Minnesota.

Consequently, the TV schedulers would not have envisaged that they would be handed a 14-point start for their visit to Pittsburgh,where the season looks to be going along swimmingly.

The Steelers have a grip on the top seeding in the AFC and it looks likely that their Week 15 clash with New England will decide which team will have a potential home path through the playoffs.

The size of the handicap may raise a few eyebrows, even though the Packers have to pick up the pieces after being shut out on their own patch against Baltimore last week.


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Rodgers' replacement Brett Hundley has understandably struggled and will be put under plenty of pressure, but there have been times this season when Pittsburgh have failed to live up to expectations when heavily favoured.

They allowed an indifferent Jacksonville offence to chalk up 30 points against them when Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a stinker and they were also beaten by Chicago in Week Two.

Whether the Packers offence is strong enough to challenge a team who have conceded more than 19 points in just two games this season is debatable and the Steelers could pick up where they left off on the other side of the ball.

Receiver Antonio Brown scored three touchdowns in the 40-17 win over Tennessee and with JuJu Smith-Schuster unavailable, he could see plenty of the ball against a secondary who tend to struggle.

Expect Brown to make the most of any opportunities.

Recommendation
A Brown to score two or more touchdowns
1pt 9-2 Betfair, Paddy Power


The lowdown
Venue Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Surface Grass
Weather Clear, 3C
Vegas handicap Green Bay +14
Vegas points line 43.5

Team news
Green Bay
Running back Aaron Jones is out with a knee injury, while fellow rusher Ty Montgomery and defensive tackle Kenny Clark are doubtful. Safety Morgan Burnett, cornerback Kevin King and linebacker Clay Matthews are all questionable.
Pittsburgh
Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring), cornerback Joe Haden (leg) and tight end Vance McDonald (knee) are all out. Safety Mike Mitchell is questionable with an ankle injury.

Key stat
The points total has gone over the line in seven of Green Bay's last eight away matches


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