Steelers vs. Packers: Iowa's Kaden Wetjen in the Spotlight for Preseason Opener
Week 1 of the NFL preseason kicks off Thursday night with a classic matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. For Iowa football fans, the game carries extra interest as rookie wide receiver Kaden Wetjen, a former Hawkeye, is set to see meaningful snaps for Pittsburgh. The betting market on Kalshi has flipped, now favoring the Steelers with 54% of the moneyline action.
The Steelers enter the game as slight favorites, with the moneyline at 54% ($10 to win $7.61) compared to the Packers at 46% ($10 to win $10.93). The spread sits at Steelers -2.5, and the over/under is 37.5 points. This shift comes after Green Bay held the favorite position for nearly a month, reflecting the depth and competition within Pittsburgh's roster.
Why the Steelers Have More to Play For
Pittsburgh's preseason roster is deeper, particularly at quarterback. Behind veteran Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers have a heated QB2 competition between Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar. Rudolph, the primary backup since 2019, will fight for his role, while Howard, a sixth-round pick from Ohio State last year, looks to make an impact after not playing in 2025. Allar, selected in the third round out of Penn State with 7,402 passing yards and 61 touchdowns, adds youthful energy.
At receiver, two rookies stand out: Germie Bernard from Alabama and Iowa's own Kaden Wetjen. Both are expected to see significant playing time in their first NFL game, giving Iowa fans a reason to tune in and watch Wetjen's debut.
Packers Focus on Regular Season
Green Bay, led by Jordan Love, has a younger core with fewer open competitions. The backup quarterback duties will fall to Kyle McCord, a sixth-round pick from Syracuse last year who threw for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns in his final college season, and Kyron Drones from Virginia Tech. Drones, however, raises questions with his arm strength, having thrown over 2,000 yards only once in four college seasons. He relies more on his legs, totaling 644 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season, but his decision-making remains a concern.
Local Angle: Iowa's Kaden Wetjen
For Iowans, the story is Wetjen. The undrafted rookie from the University of Iowa has a chance to prove himself on a national stage. His performance Thursday could impact his chances of making the Steelers' final roster, a key storyline for local sports fans who follow Hawkeye alumni in the NFL.
Game Details
The Steelers and Packers kick off at 7 p.m. from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, airing on NFL Network. Bettors can use the Kalshi promo code SIBONUS to unlock up to a $500 bonus with a qualifying deposit and $25 in trades. Remember, trading is risky; always trade responsibly. If gambling becomes a problem, call 1-800-522-4700.