These Week 1 opponents have one thing in common: A big question mark at the quarterback position.
For the sixth consecutive season, the Atlanta Falcons will start a new quarterback to begin the year. How will Tua Tagovailoa fare against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1? That lack of consistency has proved costly to the Falcons in recent years. Despite what looks to be an elite ground attack led by running back Bijan Robinson and right guard Chris Lindstrom, uncertainty under center could fell the Falcons' playoff hopes before they get started.
Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers is back for another season in Pittsburgh — at 42 years old with a suspect offensive line. The Steelers hope their defensive unit, led by Cameron Hayward and T.J. Watt, will be enough
to carry them to an AFC North title in 2026.
Falcons at Steelers live odds
Opening Lines
- Spread: Steelers -3.5
- Moneyline: Steelers -126; Falcons +108
- Over/Under: 41.5
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Falcons at Steelers picks against the spread
Adam Kaufman: Falcons +3.5
As someone with exceedingly low expectations for the Steelers in 2026, it's only natural I fade them in Week 1 in a coin-flip matchup. Even with Tua Tagovailoa at QB, the Falcons have a far more dynamic offense with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, and that should be enough to keep this game close.
Tom Viera: Steelers -3.5
Aaron Rodgers' final NFL season kicks off with a home win against Atlanta, which just named Tua Tagovailoa starter less than a week before game day. Pittsburgh's defense leads the way with a strong showing.
Richard Morin: Falcons +3.5
A bit of a contrarian pick here, but can't you see Tua Tagovailoa leading the Falcons to a Week 1 win in Pittsburgh? No? Just me?
Where to watch Falcons at Steelers
- Matchup: Steelers vs. Falcons
- Date: Sept. 13
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Venue: Acrisure Stadium
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- TV: Fox
NFL Week 1 picks, predictions, odds
- Seahawks vs Patriots
- Rams vs 49ers
- Lions vs Saints
- Bengals vs Buccaneers
- Titans vs Jets
- Colts vs Ravens
- Jaguars vs Browns
- Texans vs Bills
- Steelers vs Falcons
- Panthers vs Bears
- Raiders vs Dolphins
- Vikings vs Packers
- Eagles vs Commanders
- Chargers vs Cardinals
- Giants vs Cowboys
- Chiefs vs Broncos
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Steelers vs Falcons predictions, picks, odds for NFL Week 1 game
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