Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/8/2024 1:00 PM EST
We have your Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Pittsburgh Steelers hit the road to face the Atlanta Falcons.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers +156 (FanDuel) / Atlanta Falcons -160 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: -3.5 - Pittsburgh Steelers -120 (ESPN BET) / Atlanta Falcons +100 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 42.5 - Under -115 (FanDuel) / Over -105 (FanDuel)
Game Info
Date: 9/8/2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
TV: FOX
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
In the past three seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons have faced each other once, with the Steelers emerging victorious. This matchup took place on December 4, 2022, where the visiting Steelers defeated the home team Falcons with a final score of 19-16. In this game, the Steelers also covered the spread, as they were the favorites with a closing spread of 1.0. The game went under the total points line, with a combined score of 35 points against the closing over-under of 42.5. The Steelers' win marked the only instance in this period where the visiting team won, and the game did not hit the over.
In the most recent game, the Steelers secured a narrow victory over the Falcons, with a final score of 19-16. The Steelers took an early lead with two field goals by Matthew Wright in the first half, followed by a touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to Connor Heyward. The Falcons responded with field goals by Younghoe Koo and a touchdown pass from Marcus Mariota to MyCole Pruitt, but ultimately fell short. The Steelers' offense accumulated 351 total yards, with 197 passing yards and 154 rushing yards, while the Falcons managed 306 total yards, with 167 passing yards and 146 rushing yards. The Steelers were more efficient on third downs, converting 50% of their attempts compared to the Falcons' 30%.
Key statistics from the game highlight the Steelers' ability to control the game through time of possession and third-down efficiency. The Steelers held the ball for approximately 32 minutes and 55 seconds, compared to the Falcons' 27 minutes and 5 seconds. Both teams committed a similar number of penalties, with the Steelers incurring 30 penalty yards on seven penalties, while the Falcons had 48 penalty yards on six penalties. The Steelers' defense also played a crucial role, recording one interception and one sack, which contributed to their victory. Overall, the Steelers' balanced offensive attack and solid defensive performance were instrumental in their win against the Falcons.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to open their 2024 NFL season on the road against the Atlanta Falcons, a matchup that promises to be a compelling clash of revamped rosters. The Steelers, under the guidance of head coach Mike Tomlin, have undergone significant changes in the offseason, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. With the absence of starting left guard Isaac Seumalo due to a pectoral injury, the Steelers will rely on second-year lineman Spencer Anderson to step up in his first NFL start. Anderson's versatility has been praised, and his development is reminiscent of former Steeler Kelvin Beachum, according to Tomlin.
On the other side, the Falcons have made notable additions, including veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is expected to lead an offense featuring standout talents like Darnell Mooney, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Cousins, returning from a season-ending Achilles injury, will be looking to shake off any rust against a Steelers defense that is eager to rebound from a subpar 2023 season. The Steelers' defense, led by stars such as Cameron Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and T.J. Watt, is poised to return to its formidable form, having retained much of its core from the previous year.
Both teams have shown a commitment to bolstering their offensive capabilities, with the Steelers bringing in quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to compete for the starting role, ultimately settling on Wilson. The Falcons, meanwhile, are banking on Cousins to be the catalyst for an explosive offensive unit. The Steelers' offensive line, however, remains a point of concern, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the starting positions of their offensive tackles and the debut of rookie center Zach Frazier.
Historically, the Steelers have had the upper hand in this matchup, winning the last four meetings against the Falcons, including a narrow 19-16 victory in their most recent encounter in December 2022. As both teams look to start the season on a high note, the Falcons are slight favorites, but the Steelers' track record and defensive prowess could play a pivotal role in the outcome of this game. With both teams eager to prove their offseason decisions were the right ones, this Week 1 showdown is set to be an intriguing battle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Pick: Total Points Over
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons in their 2024 season opener, the potential for a high-scoring affair is evident. Both teams have made significant offensive upgrades during the offseason, setting the stage for a dynamic matchup. The Falcons, with the addition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, are poised to enhance their offensive output. Cousins, despite coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, is surrounded by a talented supporting cast, including wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Drake London, as well as tight end Kyle Pitts. This trio, combined with Cousins' experience, suggests that the Falcons could exploit the Steelers' secondary, which lacks depth beyond cornerback Donte Jackson.
On the other side, the Steelers have revamped their quarterback room, ultimately choosing Russell Wilson as their starter. Wilson's presence, along with the Steelers' commitment to improving their offensive line, indicates a focus on offensive production. Although the Steelers will be without starting left guard Isaac Seumalo, the team has shown resilience in adapting to lineup changes, with Spencer Anderson stepping in to fill the gap. The Steelers' offensive strategy, centered around a balanced attack, could capitalize on the Falcons' defense, which is still finding its footing with new additions.
Historically, the Steelers have had success against the Falcons, winning their last four meetings. However, the Falcons' recent acquisitions and offensive potential make them a formidable opponent. The over/under line is set at 42.5 points, a figure that both teams are capable of surpassing given their offensive capabilities and the potential for defensive lapses. With both teams eager to showcase their offseason improvements and start the season strong, this matchup is primed for a high-scoring contest. Expect both offenses to find their rhythm early, leading to a game that exceeds the projected total points.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons Top Player Prop Picks
Kirk Cousins Over 1.5 Passing TDs -104 (Caesars)
Kirk Cousins is set to make his debut for the Atlanta Falcons, and despite coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, he is surrounded by a talented offensive unit. With standout receiving threats like Darnell Mooney, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, Cousins has the weapons necessary to exploit a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that, while historically strong, had a disappointing 2023 season. The Steelers' defense, although retaining much of its core, will face a rejuvenated Falcons offense eager to make a statement. Given Cousins' experience and the Falcons' offensive potential, betting on him to throw over 1.5 touchdowns seems a promising proposition.
George Pickens Over 53.5 Receiving Yards -112 (BetRivers)
George Pickens is stepping into a more prominent role as the Steelers' No. 1 wide receiver, and with Russell Wilson at the helm, the passing game is expected to be more dynamic. The Falcons' secondary, which lacks depth beyond Donte Jackson, presents an opportunity for Pickens to shine. In a game where the Steelers might need to rely on their aerial attack to keep pace with the Falcons' offense, Pickens is poised to surpass the 53.5 receiving yards mark. His ability to make big plays downfield will be crucial, and the chemistry with Wilson could lead to a breakout performance.
Bijan Robinson Over 3.5 Receptions -108 (FanDuel)
Bijan Robinson, the Falcons' dynamic running back, is expected to be a key component in both the rushing and passing game. With Kirk Cousins under center, Robinson's versatility will be utilized to its fullest, especially against a Steelers defense that might focus on containing the Falcons' primary receiving threats. Robinson's ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a valuable target for Cousins, and with the line set at 3.5 receptions, the over is an attractive option. His involvement in the passing game will be crucial for the Falcons to maintain offensive balance and keep the Steelers' defense on its heels.
