As the black and gold hit the road for their game in Week 1 many are uncertain about the potential outcome. The Falcons and the Steelers have problems on their rosters that each team will try to exploit heading into this game. Even though the Steeler's chances of winning this game seem mixed, there are plenty of things that could go in their favor.
Regarding bold predictions for this week, expect many of their unknowns heading into this game to come to light. The offense for both teams in this game will play a bigger factor than the defenses in this contest. If Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson can dial the time machine back to their heydays, that team will likely be victorious in this matchup.
Plenty of things could go right for Pittsburgh in this one, but other things could also go wrong. This game will come down to details and solving the little issues during the game. Whichever team can become adaptable then they will emerge victorious. This will be a close game between the Falcons and the Steelers unless something unexpected changes.
The Steelers offense will start off hot and die off
Most that cover this game believe that both offenses will struggle out of the gate. Russell Wilson played a chunk of snaps during preseason action, even though those snaps provided mixed results. He should be able to translate his late preseason success over to the game and get the Steelers off to a strong start. As the game pushes along, they might run into staleness.
Beanie Bishop will start off his rookie year strong against the Falcons
When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, a potential weakness is rookie Beanie Bishop at slot cornerback. A bold prediction here has him playing quality snaps throughout the game as Atlanta targets him early and often. If Bishop can have a great start to his rookie year in Week 1, then it will make the Steelers coaching staff look like geniuses.
Pittsburgh will see Chris Boswell miss a field goal
One story that has gone under the radar during training camp and the preseason has been Chris Boswell's struggles. He wasn't necessarily terrible, but he was showing average output. The Steelers need him to make every kick in this one, especially in a dome. Something feels off with Boswell heading into the season, and it could lead to a missed field goal.
Atlanta will have plenty of success running the football
Not much has changed for the Steelers along their defensive line from last season to now. Cam Heyward is back healthy, which is a significant thing for the black and gold. They still had problems defending the run over the past couple of years, so that is a problem. The Falcons have a young star at running back and an undervalued offensive line, which could make for a tough day at the office for the Steelers.