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The debut of two newly acquired veteran quarterbacks highlights an intriguing opener when the Atlanta Falcons host the Pittsburgh Steelers . Signing Kirk Cousins was the peak of Atlanta’s win-now offseason. Pittsburgh brought in Russell Wilson to elevate a playoff team with a sputtering offense.
The Falcons are small favorites over the Steelers in this matchup. Advertisement A concern about calf soreness from Russell Wilson during Thursday’s practice didn’t cause a shift in the odds immediately, but fans should keep an eye on the news there. Wilson traveled to Atlanta with the team, but that doesn’t mean he’ll definitely play.
If he is out, former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields — another newly acquired quarterback — should start. Despite health concerns following a season-ending torn Achilles, Cousins represents an upgrade over turnover-prone Desmond Ridder . The veteran threw more touchdown passes in eight games for Minnesota (18) than Falcons quarterbacks did during the entire 2023 season (17).
Running back Bijan Robinson , wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts are all capable of big games if Cousins is clicking. Stability in the running game from Robinson and backfield running mate Tyler Allgeier eases Atlanta’s transition at quarterback. A strong Steelers defense counters with playmaking veterans that get to the quarterback (11th in sacks last season) and a secondary that forces turnovers at a high level (+11 turnover margin, third last season).
T.J. Watt is still the league’s premier pass-rushing force and leads a nasty front seven.
That’s where Wilson comes into play — if he is healthy. With an offense near the bottom in yards per game (304.3 yards; 25th) and points per game (17.
9 per game; tied 28th) last season, the Steelers still made the playoffs. Pittsburgh hopes Wilson’s resurgent season in Denver continues in a new offense. The backfield of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren can carry the Steeler offense as Wilson gets adjusted.
But Wilson needs to use deep-threat wide receiver George Pickens and red-zone threat Pat Freiermuth in the passing game if Pittsburgh wants offensive improvement. All odds from BetMGM . Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here .
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Falcons Expert picks for Steelers vs. Falcons NFL Week 1 odds, expert picks and previews for all 16 games Week 1 score predictions: Model projections for spread and total on every game NFL best bets Week 1: Trusting in Josh Allen and fading the Bo Nix hype for now (Photo of Kirk Cousins: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images).
