Vegas odds continue to rise in favor of the Falcons as Steelers quarterback uncertain

When the first wave of early NFL odds were released in May, the Pittsburgh Steelers trailed the Atlanta Falcons by 2.5 points in Week 1. Just seven days ago, the odds were three points ahead, significantly better than the Falcons.

That was before Pittsburgh had any uncertainty about the quarterback, as Russell Wilson's playing time was still uncertain just hours before kickoff. With Justin Fields likely to play against the Falcons, the Steelers are now unanimously four points behind, according to VSiN.

When I checked an hour ago, the difference was 3.5 points, so in the remaining hours before kickoff, it could still swing in the Falcons' favor.

Fields may be the better option compared to a weakened Russell Wilson, but that doesn't mean the Steelers have a better chance of winning without the veteran. In 38 career appearances, Fields has won just 10 games in his three seasons.

The Chicago Bears traded Fields to the Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, just three years after making him the 11th overall pick. They also traded up to get him.

Will a change of scenery help Fields begin a new chapter in his NFL career? Of course, if he ends up in the starting lineup, it would be a huge opportunity for him to prove himself.

It has not been confirmed yet, but several notable local and national insiders have reported that Wilson is unlikely to play.

According to Adam Schefter, Wilson has told the Steelers he can play, but team doctors are being more cautious. There will likely be a pregame evaluation in the next hour or so. The Steelers must report their inactive players for the day 90 minutes before kickoff, so time is running out.

Because of all this uncertainty, bookmakers in Vegas believe the Steelers will end up starting the season with a 0-1 record.