Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons Expert Pick – September 8, 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to face the Atlanta Falcons to start the 2024 season. The Steelers will look to showcase their renowned defense, while the Falcons aim to make a statement on home turf with their high-powered offense. The Falcons come into the season as the favorites to win the NFC South while the Steelers have an uphill battle to reclaim the title as Kings of the AFC North. Read more Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons Expert Pick – September 8, 2024

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Kickoff

When: Sunday, September 8 at 1:00 PM ET

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

TV: FOX

The Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

FRESH START

Both teams have been in quarterback limbo since their respective franchise quarterbacks retired. Since the Matt Ryan era, the Falcons have failed to fill the void with the likes of Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Tyler Heinicke. They are hoping that will change by signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal that included $100 million in guaranteed cash. The former Vikings quarterback is coming off an Achilles injury but should still be a major upgrade at the position entering the 2024 season. 

“We have done a lot to build, and now it counts,” Cousins said. “I’ve been standing here for weeks, months, talking about how it’s just talk right now, and that’s all it can be in May and July, but eventually it’s got to become not just talk, but actual substance. It’ll start on Sunday.”

The Steelers took a wrecking ball to their quarterback room by trading former 1st round pick, Kenny Pickett, and releasing Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. The Steelers front office decided to kick the tires on Russell Wilson after two lackluster seasons in Denver and traded for Justin Fields after the Bears decided they were going to pick Caleb Williams with their first pick in the NFL draft.

Wilson beat Fields for the starting job during training camp even while dealing with a calf injury. While he was injured Fields took advantage running the 1st Team offense and building chemistry with his teammates while showing off his freak athleticism. In a turn of events, it appears that the camaraderie he shared will be on full display in Week 1 as Wilson is questionable to start while dealing with that same calf injury. 

ARTHUR SMITH

Speaking of fresh starts, Arthur Smith didn’t have to wait long to face the team that fired him. Smith was released after three straight 7-10 seasons as coach of the Falcons and the Steelers quickly hired him as their offensive coordinator. He is tasked with revamping a stagnant Steelers unit by featuring a run-heavy offense with a focus on red-zone efficiency.

The Falcons replaced Arthur Smith with a new coach in Raheem Morris. Atlanta passed on a chance to sign him three years ago and this time around chose him over the legendary Bill Belichick. Morris is one of the most liked and respected coaches in the NFL and was hired after a successful run as defensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers. He is also a great friend of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin who had this to say about his buddy back in 2022. 

“I know that some of the guys being denied are in the top 32,” Tomlin said. “Raheem Morris is the best coach that I know & have been around that don’t have a head job.”

Morris hopes that Cousins can take full advantage of an offensive roster loaded with first round talent and coach up a defense that made a splash in free agency this offseason.  

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

The Steelers will rely on a revamped offensive line that includes the drafting of tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier. Frazier will start this week while Fautanu deals with a knee injury. They need to pave the way for the two-headed rushing attack from Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren who both eclipsed 1000 yards of total offense last season. The Steelers have the most expensive defense in the NFL with TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward, fresh off a new contract, leading the way. Watch out for newly acquired Patrick Queen to be a major upgrade to a middle linebacker position that has plagued this franchise since Ryan Shazier’s neck injury. Watching the Baltimore Ravens defense struggle in their first game without Queen is a good sign of things to come.

The Falcons offense is loaded with first round talent featuring the likes of running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts. But the difference makers will come from the defensive side of the ball after acquiring four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots. They also signed two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons who looks to help the secondary. 

THE PICK

It appears Vegas liked the Steelers chances better when Wilson was named the starting quarterback. With Fields most likely getting the starting nod the line moved from 3 ½ – 4 points overnight.

If there is a criticism of coach Tomlin – it’s that he is living in the past by pouring boat loads of cash into his starting defense and focusing on a rushing offense. I know it’s a philosophy that he feels can work in the modern-day NFL and he needs to prove it starting today.  The modern day Steel Curtain is too much for the Falcons and Pittsburgh steals one in Atlanta winning 24-14.