The Raheem Morris era begins for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As luck would have it (or the devious NFL planners), it also brings the Falcons’ last coach to town. Arthur Smith, who led the Falcons through three forgettable seasons, is the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There is a lot of newness for both teams, which raises many questions in Week 1, including about quarterbacks and playmakers.
The Falcons have been consistent favorites all week by 3.5 to 4.0 points, although there have been questions about whether Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson will play. Bettors don’t seem to think it makes much of a difference whether he or Justin Fields is at the helm for Smith.
There’s no question who will start at quarterback for the Falcons. Kirk Cousins will make his debut in Atlanta on Sunday.
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ESPN tasked three staffers with making predictions for each game. Analyst writer Seth Walder, fantasy analyst Eric Moody and senior NFL writer Kayln Kahler were unanimous in their prediction of a Falcons win.
Kahler’s choice: Falcons 20, Steelers 12
Moody’s selection: Falcons 24, Steelers 21
Walder’s choice: Falcons 19, Steelers 16
The Falcons have a 15-2-1 record in 18 previous games against the Steelers. However, this is a fresh start for the Falcons, with new expectations for 2024.
There’s surprisingly little talk about the quarterbacks who have dominated conversations in Atlanta and Pittsburgh over the past six months, but ESPN suggests Russell Wilson (and Justin Fields) could be just what a revamped Falcons pass rush needs.
“If the Falcons’ weak pass rush, bolstered by the signing of edge rusher Matthew Judon, is to break out, there may be no better opportunity than Week 1,” wrote Mark Raimondi. “Steelers QB Russell Wilson has been sacked more times than any other signal caller in the league since his signing in 2012 (527), and Pittsburgh has struggled with injuries on its offensive line. Judon will need help from Arnold Ebiketie (six sacks in 2023) for a team that finished last in pass rush win rate (30.9%) in 2023.”
Wilson had 100 sacks in 30 games with the Denver Broncos and Justin Fields was sacked 99 times in 28 games over the last two seasons in Chicago.
The Steelers’ personnel demands a lot of yardage, which is a perfect fit for Smith. A healthy Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata in the middle of the Falcons’ defensive line will be crucial.
The Falcons haven’t always done well as favorites, but now is the time to catch up to the Steelers.
Atlanta 20, Pittsburgh 13
