Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons odds, expert picks, How to watch: Justin Fields to replace Russell Wilson in season opener
The debut of two newly signed quarterbacks – Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson – would have been the highlight of a thrilling opener between the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. The signing of Kirk Cousins was the highlight of Atlanta’s game-deciding offseason. Pittsburgh brought in Russell Wilson to bolster a playoff team with a struggling offense. But with the news Sunday morning that Wilson will not start due to injury, the Falcons’ chances of beating the Steelers in this matchup have gotten a little better.
Now former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields will start for the Steelers.
Despite health concerns following a season-ending Achilles tendon tear, Cousins represents an improvement over the turnover-prone Desmond Ridder. The veteran threw more touchdown passes (18) in eight games for Minnesota than the Falcons’ quarterbacks did during the entire 2023 season (17).
Running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts are all capable of big plays when Cousins is in good shape. Stability in the running game from Robinson and backfield running mate Tyler Allgeier eases Atlanta’s transition at the quarterback position.
A strong Steelers defense counters with experienced playmakers who get to the quarterback (11th in sacks last season) and a secondary that forces turnovers at a high level (+11 turnover differential, 3rd last season). TJ Watt is still the best pass-rushing force in the league, leading a mean front seven.
Despite finishing near the bottom in yards per game (304.3 yards; 25th) and points per game (17.9 per game; 28th) last season, the Steelers still made the playoffs. Pittsburgh hopes Wilson’s successful season in Denver can continue with a new offense, but Fields will need to find consistency for Sunday’s game.
The backfield of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren can carry the Steelers’ offense, but Fields will have to rely on wide receiver George Pickens and red zone threat Pat Freiermuth in the passing game if Pittsburgh wants to improve its offense.
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.
Free daily sports updates straight to your inbox.
Free daily sports updates straight to your inbox.
Sign up
Odds for Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons
How to watch Steelers vs. Falcons
- Venue: Mercedes Benz Stadium – Atlanta
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Watch live on Fubo (Save $30)
Expert tips for Steelers vs. Falcons
Read more about NFL Week 1
NFL Week 1 odds, expert tips and previews for all 16 games
Week 1 Score Predictions: Model predictions for spread and total for each game
NFL Tips Week 1: Trust in Josh Allen and let the Bo Nix hype die down for now
(Photo by Kirk Cousins: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
