If the Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to get off to a hot start from the gate of the 2026 season, the NFL just did them a big favor. According to the latest schedule leak from OzzyNFL, the Steelers will host the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium in Week 1.
This game will take place on Sunday, September 13, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. It will be Mike McCarthy's first game as head coach in Pittsburgh. Interestingly, the Steelers are 7-0-1 against the Falcons at home all-time.
And there's reason to believe this impressive track record will continue.
The Pittsburgh Steelers get a favorable Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons ended the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, finishing third in the NFC South. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered on November 16, and Tua Tagovailoa was brought in to add depth and competition at the position.
Last year, the Falcons finished with a point differential of -48. Though they managed impressive upset wins against the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams last season, their other six victories came against the Vikings, Commanders, Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Saints. The Falcons also had a stretch in the middle of the year where they lost eight of nine games.
This is a new year, which means it's a chance for both the Steelers and the Falcons to hit the reset button. Atlanta does have a promising young core of players, headlined by skill players Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
Meanwhile, this Week 1 contest will be the first time we get to see Steelers rookies like offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and wide receiver Germie Bernard in meaningful action. Likewise, veteran newcomers like cornerback Jamel Dean and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will be looking to make an impact right away.
Nothing is certain in this league, and we know, historically, that Week 1 can be fluky. But if the Pittsburgh Steelers were hoping for a hot start to jump out to a 1-0 record, this was one of the best draws they could have received from the NFL for their opening game in 2026.
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