Falcons vs. Steelers odds, line, start time: 2024 NFL picks, Week 1 predictions from proven computer model

The Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers will both have new quarterbacks on the field when they meet in the season opener on Sunday afternoon. Atlanta signed quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​to a four-year deal, while Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason. The Falcons are fresh off their sixth consecutive losing season, fired head coach Arthur Smith and hired Raheem Morris as his replacement. Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin has been at the helm since 2007, making him the league's longest-tenured head coach. Wilson was named the starter for Pittsburgh, but he is dealing with a calf injury and his participation is questionable.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons are favored by 3.5 points in the latest Falcons vs. Steelers odds, while the over/under is set at 42 points according to the SportsLine consensus. Before you place your Steelers vs. Falcons picks, check out the NFL predictions from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, has gained well over $7,000 in top-rated NFL picks for $100 players since its launch. The model enters Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season on an incredible 181-129 run in top-rated NFL picks dating back to the 2017 season. It's also on a 35-21 run in top-rated NFL picks since Week 7 2022.

The model has been in the top 10 in pure NFL picks on NFLPickWatch four of the last six years and beat more than 94% of CBS Sports Football Pick'em four times during that time. Anyone who has been following it ranks way up there.

The model has focused on Pittsburgh vs. Atlanta. You can head to SportsLine to see the picks. Here are several NFL betting odds for the spread, moneyline and over/under:

• Falcons vs. Steelers Spread: Falcons -3.5
• Falcons vs. Steelers over/under: 42 points
• Moneyline Falcons vs. Steelers: Falcons: -188, Steelers: +157
• Falcons vs. Steelers Tips: View Tips Here

Why the Falcons can cover

The Falcons are coming off their sixth consecutive losing season, but they were able to improve their quarterback situation in the offseason. Cousins ​​signed a four-year deal after suffering an Achilles injury that ended his final season with the Vikings. He has been one of the league's best quarterbacks for years, so he will be a huge asset to Atlanta's offense.

Cousins ​​has a ton of talent around him, including tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson. All three players were top-10 picks in the last three NFL drafts and Atlanta's defense also made big strides last season. The Falcons could be even better on that side of the ball this year, having signed four-time Pro Bowl edge Matthew Judon and two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons. Here's which team to pick.

Why the Steelers can cover

Pittsburgh won nine games with Kenny Pickett at quarterback (last center), and the Steelers have a backup this year. Wilson is expected to start, but Fields is a solid backup plan if Wilson is out with a calf injury. The Steelers will also have a strong offense led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, while Atlanta's front seven is among the worst in the NFL.

The Falcons have some issues on offense with Cousins ​​preparing for his first start after a torn Achilles tendon. Pittsburgh has dominated this head-to-head series, going 13-1-1 in the last 15 meetings between these teams. Additionally, the Steelers have covered the spread in nine straight games against NFC South opponents and have a 4-1 ATS record in their last five games against Atlanta. See which team to pick here.

How to make your predictions for the Falcons vs. Steelers game

The model has simulated Steelers vs. Falcons 10,000 times and the results are in. The model is trending ahead and also says one side of the spread will hit in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the picks at SportsLine.

So who will win the Falcons vs. Steelers game on Sunday and which side of the spread is correct over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Steelers vs. Falcons spread you should bet on on Sunday, all based on the model throwing 181-129 on the top-rated NFL picks, and find out.