There’s an unmistakable undercurrent of revenge and emotion this week as Aaron Rodgers prepares to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, on Sunday Night Football in Pittsburgh.
But for Green Bay, this isn’t just another reunion — it’s about validation, consistency, and proving they still belong among the NFL’s elite.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) leave the field after an NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Despite escaping with a win over the Arizona Cardinals, the Packers’ uneven performance has raised legitimate questions about their ability to finish games against top competition.
That narrow victory came against a Cardinals team led by veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, just weeks after Green Bay was upset by Joe Flacco and the Cleveland Browns — another short-handed opponent.
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These results have left fans wondering whether the Packers are ready to compete deep into January — or if their fast start was simply an early-season illusion.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Packers Hold Firm in Rankings, But Doubts Persist
Over at NFL Media, analyst Eric Edholm kept Green Bay steady at No. 5 in this week’s Power Rankings, but he didn’t shy away from the underlying issues.
(Source: NFL.com Power Rankings — Week 8)
“It was another harder-than-expected game against a seemingly lesser opponent,” Edholm wrote. “A disappointing trend for a team that gave off real Super Bowl vibes during the first two weeks of the season. The Packers are good, but they still must prove to me that they’re definitively Tier 1 good.”
➡️ Also read: Packers Eye Cornerback Trade as Nate Hobbs Struggles Ahead of Week 8
Sunday night, against Rodgers and a Steelers defense ranked among the league’s toughest, offers the Packers a chance to prove they belong in that Tier 1 conversation.
Rodgers Reunion Brings Extra Motivation
For Aaron Rodgers, facing the Packers — the team that drafted him, defined him, and ultimately traded him — adds emotional fuel to an already massive primetime matchup.
Meanwhile, Jeff Hafley’s defense will need to find answers for Rodgers’ quick passing attack and the relentless Steelers pass rush.
It’s a test of discipline and identity for a Packers team still searching for the dominance it flashed early in the season.
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If Green Bay can deliver under the lights — and spoil Rodgers’ revenge game — it may finally silence the doubts that have followed them for weeks.
Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) signals to teammates before the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals during the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
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