The NFL returns in force this Sunday, and one of the most fascinating matchups on the Week 1 slate is between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons.
Both teams have upgraded at quarterback after seeing real struggles under center last year, but my Steelers vs. Falcons predictions expect Kirk Cousins to outshine his opponent on Sunday. Find out more in the NFL picks ahead.
Steelers vs Falcons prediction
My best bet
Falcons -3.5 (-112 at BetMGM)
My analysis
In the NFL, quarterbacks are always the key part of the conversation and these teams made addressing their QB situation a primary concern this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers replaced Kenny Pickett by bringing in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields — both given up on by other teams — with Wilson winning the battle to be QB1, at least for now. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons acquired Kirk Cousins in free agency before making a surprising move to draft Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall.
The Steelers somehow reached the NFL Wild Card Round last season in what feels like a fever dream, but one largely led by their defense and another year of fantastic coaching from Mike Tomlin. In comes new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to replace Matt Canada, and the former Falcons head coach will have some intel for this matchup.
Wilson, despite struggles in Seattle and Denver, is still an upgrade over Pickett or Mason Rudolph, who showed he isn’t a starter in this league. Wilson has seen his reputation, as well as his overall play, nosedive in recent years. The Super Bowl champion is looking to get his career back on track in Pittsburgh.
The Falcons are favored to win the NFC South following the arrival of Cousins. The biggest question surrounds whether Cousins, at age 36, can regain his previous form after suffering a torn Achilles. However, he has a bevy of young talent to lean on, and he'll put that big arm of his to use.
The Falcons also have a strong defense against the run and should be able to limit the Steelers’ ground game, forcing the visitors to rely on Wilson. News flash, that didn't work out well for Denver last season. Expect Cousins to make a statement in his ATL debut.
Steelers vs Falcons same-game parlay
Falcons -3.5
Bijan Robinson Over 29.5 receiving yards
Robinson anytime touchdown
In addition to my best bet for the game, I'm also going to back Bijan Robinson to have a big day.
In both college and his rookie season, we saw Robinson is an elite pass-catching back, and the new Falcons coaching staff could utilize those skills even more. Expect to see a lot of touches funneled toward Robinson, with him easily passing his receiving total while finding himself in the end zone.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Steelers vs Falcons odds
Steelers vs Falcons live odds
Steelers vs Falcons opening odds
- Spread: Pittsburgh +3.5 (-110) | Atlanta -3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Pittsburgh +142 | Atlanta -170
- Over/Under: Over 42 (-110) | Under 42 (-110)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Steelers vs Falcons spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Falcons failed to cover in four of their final five games last season.
- The Steelers hit the Over in five of their final six games last season.
- Pittsburgh has covered in the previous four meetings between the teams.
- The Under has hit in three of those four games.
Steelers vs Falcons betting trend to know
The favorite has covered the spread in each of the last three meetings between the teams, with the favorite in each game being the Steelers. Find more NFL betting trends for Steelers vs. Falcons.
Steelers vs Falcons game info
| Location: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date: | Sunday, 9-8, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
Steelers vs Falcons latest injuries
Steelers vs Falcons weather
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