As the NFL heads into Week 3 of the preseason, the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers will feature the Panthers looking to grab their first win. The entire NFL preseason Week 3 slate will kick off on Thursday with this matchup.
Preview for Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 1 saw the Panthers lose at home to the Cleveland Browns, 30-10, while Week 2 saw another tough loss on the road in Houston, 20-3.
Pittsburgh is having slightly better luck than Carolina, and Week 3 promises excitement for Steelers’ fans. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is expected to make his Steelers debut.
41-year-old Aaron Rodgers won’t play in the team’s preseason finale even after getting work against Tampa Bay’s starting defense in a joint practice last week. The Steelers have scored 45 points and allowed 42 throughout their first two preseason matchups.
Telecast Details of Steelers at Panthers
Game Details
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
How to Watch
TV: CBS, CBS/2 (Pittsburgh), WJZY, Panthers Television Network (Carolina)
Live Stream: NFL+ and NFL Network
Radio: WDVE 102.5 FM & WBGG 970 AM (Pittsburgh), WRFX 99.7 The FOX (Carolina)
Betting Line
Spread: Steelers -4.5
Total: O/U 36.5
Moneyline: Steelers -196, Panthers +164
Look Ahead to the 2025 Season for Both Teams
The Steelers’ goal going into 2025 is to return to the playoffs and end their multi-year drought in the AFC North. For fans, hopefully, Pittsburgh can capitalize on the offseason additions of Rodgers, Ramsey, and DK Metcalf to elevate the team’s ceiling.
As mentioned, Rodgers has been ruled out of the upcoming game per ESPN.
Big Ben on Aaron Rodgers and Dk Metcalf:
“When they get going I’m telling you it’s going to be something special.”#steelers
🎥Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger pic.twitter.com/msd8NFBgY7
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) August 19, 2025
However, losses such as George Pickens at wide receiver and a lack of certainty around skill positions have cast some doubt on the offense’s sustainability looking ahead to the regular season.
Given Carolina’s struggles in the preseason so far, the Panthers have a tougher hill to climb than Pittsburgh. However, quarterback Bryce Young’s late surge last season is providing fans with hope.
The Panthers’ clear goal is to break the seven-year playoff drought and start contending in the NFC South by turning a corner under coach Dave Canales and General Manager Dan Morgan.
This preseason matchup offers fans an early glimpse of what’s ahead. Pittsburgh will be looking to see which newcomers can make an immediate impact, while Carolina aims to spark optimism on offense.
Beyond the numbers and highlights, the game serves as a chance to watch both retooled rosters begin shaping their identities for the season.
