Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons: Predictions, Tips, Odds

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the most exciting teams in the NFL heading into the 2024 season. After a tumultuous 2023 season filled with abysmal coaching, refusal to use their best players, and poor quarterback play, the team decided to change all that by bringing in a new head coach in Raheem Morris and a new quarterback in Kirk Cousins. The latter of the two is, of course, a big question mark. Cousins ​​is recovering from a season-ending Achilles injury and is entering his 36th season. As great as the weapons around him are, there's no guarantee he'll be the Mr. Constant quarterback we've become so accustomed to.

We know what to expect from the Pittsburgh Steelers: excellent defense, poor quarterback play, a record above .500, and a possible first-round playoff exit. While the team has made efforts to improve its quarterback's play compared to last season, new additions Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have not paid off so far. Neither quarterback has reportedly emerged as a true starter in Pittsburgh. With Diontae Johnson also leaving town for Carolina, this team doesn't have the same quality of weapons either.

Week 1 will be a good benchmark for these teams. Not only is it a revenge game for Arthur Smith, who faces the team that fired him last season, but it should also give fans some insight into what to expect from each of these teams.

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Steelers vs. Falcons odds, moneyline, over/under

According to BetMGM NFL odds, the Falcons are the favorites to beat the Steelers. Want to bet? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps that offer NFL betting promotions in 2024, including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

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• Distribution: Falcons (-3)
• Moneyline: Falcons (-160); Steelers (+135)
• Over/Under: 42

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Odds, predictions and tips for the first NFL week

Ravens vs. Chiefs | Packers vs. Eagles | Jaguars vs. Dolphins | Steelers vs. Falcons | Vikings vs. Giants | Panthers vs. Saints | Patriots vs. Bengals | Titans vs. Bears | Cardinals vs. Bills | Texans vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Chargers | Broncos vs. Seahawks | Commanders vs. Buccaneers | Cowboys vs. Browns | Rams vs. Lions | Jets vs. 49ers

Lorenzo Reyes: Falcons 28, Steelers 20

There are a lot of new faces on both teams, so a bit of a learning curve is to be expected. The game within the game is the return of Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to Atlanta, one season after he was fired as the team's head coach. Atlanta's offensive weapons should be unleashed, however, with Zac Robinson coming over from the Rams.

Tyler Dragon: Falcons 21, Steelers 17

Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins ​​are both making their debuts with new teams. Pittsburgh's defense should be strong, but the offense will have to go through a transition period with Wilson at quarterback. Cousins ​​has inherited a Falcons offense that has the potential to take off. Expect Atlanta's defense to be better under Raheem Morris and the dynamic safety duo of Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons.

Safid Deen: Steelers 23, Falcons 20

On paper, this looks like a Falcons win, but something tells me Mike Tomlin is up to something else. I'm picking the Steelers in this away game.

Richard Morin: Falcons 23, Steelers 16

I imagine this will be an ugly battle. I predict a tie in the final seconds that ends with a Falcons touchdown as time expires. This may be a bet to avoid in your weekly parlay.

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