5 Steelers who need to thrive in Week 1 vs. Falcons for Pittsburgh to secure victory

Week 1 of the NFL always provides some interesting matchups. The Steelers hit the road to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. It might not be the most important game of the schedule, but Pittsburgh has a tough back end of their campaign. They will need to win games like this if they want a serious shot at making the playoffs this year.

Injuries have already hit Pittsburgh, especially along their offensive line. They will need to overcome these if they want to secure victory. Atlanta is a much-improved team since the Steelers last played them, but they might be off to a slow start. Many teams are still knocking off the rust in Week 1, so hopefully the Steelers can use their active preseason to their advantage.

The Steelers could be in big trouble vs Falcons if these players don't show

Russell Wilson

The obvious choice here is Russell Wilson will be the key cog in the Steeler's success or detriment. There are holes on the offense for Pittsburgh, but if Wilson can be a strong veteran presence at the position, then they will be fine. The Steelers don't need him to be terrific, but they need him to be above average and be a smart player at the quarterback position.

Beanie Bishop

Will the undrafted free agent be able to hold onto the slot cornerback role throughout the regular season? That is the question surrounding the defense. Kirk Cousins and the Falcons offense will be picking on him throughout the game, so hopefully, Beanie Bishop answers the call. The battle in the slot could make a big difference in this one.

Najee Harris

Jaylen Warren looks ready to play coming off of a hamstring injury. Even if he does play, expect the Steelers to limit him from his normal number of touches. Pittsburgh's offense will be as successful as their running game is each week. Najee Harris is someone to circle as an impact player against Atlanta. If he can't find holes to run through, then this will be a tough game to win.

Larry Ogunjobi

Cam Heyward just signed his extension, but the other members along the defensive line are going to need to produce in Week 1. Larry Ogunjobi quietly had a strong preseason, and he is someone who could benefit from Heyward in the lineup. If Ogunjobi can produce in big moments of this game and remain stable against the run, then the Steeler's defense only gets stronger.

Spencer Anderson

Now that Isaac Seumalo is out with a pec strain for the first three to four weeks of the season, the Steelers are turning toward Spencer Anderson as the starter. Mason McCormick will remain right behind him in case Anderson shows signs of struggle in a starting role. If Anderson has issues, then that could create a funk the offensive line will struggle to get over.