Week 1 of the Pittsburgh Steelers season has finally arrived, and they are clear favorites to emerge as the victors. It won't be as easy as some might lead you to believe, as the Black and Gold love to keep games close on the scoreboard and, on occasion, struggle against lesser opponents.
This matchup clearly points to the Steelers as the favorites, but despite the Falcons' issues, this might be far from a cakewalk.
One of the biggest things working against Atlanta going into this kickoff to their season is the number of players on their injury list. They had a handful of starters miss a ton of practice time this week, which means they could be out of the game in Pittsburgh. Add that on top of other depth players who could also miss game action this week, and the Steelers' advantage only increases.
When it comes to this week's picks and predictions, everyone is going with the home team to come out of this game with a win. Where things differ when it comes to the Still Curtain panel's predictions for this outcome is the final score. Some believe this should be a stroll on easy street for the Steelers, while others making picks believe this could become a game that gets a little too close for comfort.
Still Curtain contributors predict a grueling start to the Pittsburgh Steelers season
"The Steelers have won five straight against Atlanta, while the Falcons remain winless in Pittsburgh at 0-7-1. With this matchup at Acrisure Stadium, the crowd will definitely play a role and help the Steelers’ defense control the game." - Allison Koehler (Steelers 23-10)
"On paper, this should be an easy win. The Steelers feel like the better team and the team with the most improvements from the offseason. However, the skeptic in me could easily see the Mike McCarthy era start on a bitter note with a disappointing loss. I'll err on the side of optimism, for now." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 23-17)
"The Falcons' quarterback situation is a mess, which makes the Joey Porter Jr. contract drama look like small potatoes. The Steelers have had weeks to prepare for their season opener at home. It will take some time to mesh with the new coaching staff, but it's hard to see them losing this one." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 24-16)
"Mike McCarthy and the Pittsburgh Steelers will begin the season with a slight handicap. Atlanta’s quarterback injuries give Patrick Graham’s defense a noticeable advantage. I expect TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith to make the most of Cooper Rush starting. The Steelers defense leads McCarthy to his first win with the franchise. Aaron Rodgers and the offense struggle, but do enough to maintain a lead." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 24-10)
Final prediction has Steelers winning an ugly slobber knocker
Score Prediction: Steelers 22, Falcons 18
When trying to predict this game, no matter who suits up for the Falcons, it's obvious that the Steelers have the better roster. Factor in the injury concerns for Atlanta going into this Week 1 battle, and things only become grimmer for their chances.
With all that said, Pittsburgh has blown games like this before, where they are heavy favorites only to squander a victory against an inferior opponent.
Another reason why this prediction ended up being so close on the scoreboard is the lack of cohesion that Pittsburgh will struggle with. Their secondary has been beat up throughout the summer, and they could struggle, especially early in the season. That lack of snaps together could lead to plenty of defensive breakdowns no matter who is throwing the ball for the Falcons on Sunday.
The offense for the Steelers is no better, as few of their starters played during the preseason, which could create some headaches along the way.
Expect Aaron Rodgers and company to do enough when it matters most to secure points on the board, but it could be a result of settling for field goals in crucial moments. Their lack of time playing in-game action could lead to points being left on the field.
At the end of the day, expect the Steelers to show some early signs of struggle against the Falcons. Expect Bijan Robinson to have a big impact on this game, but Pittsburgh's defense should be able to tighten up with Cooper Rush at QB, forcing more field goals than touchdowns. If the Steelers play a smart brand of football against Atlanta, they should emerge from Week 1 with a 1-0 record.
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