The Pittsburgh Steelers meet the Atlanta Falcons as 3-point underdogs in this enthralling NFL Week 1 encounter. The total is set at 42.5 as each teams' new season kicks off from Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Dive into all the Steelers vs Falcons odds and my best bets as the Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins eras begin below.
Steelers vs Falcons Odds Week 1
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons, Sept. 8, 1:00 pm ET
Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
Pittsburgh Steelers | +3 (-114) | +136 | Over 42.5 (-105) |
Atlanta Falcons | -3 (-106) | -162 | Under 42.5 (-115) |
As of September 3 at FanDuel
Steelers vs Falcons Picks Week 1
Steelers +136
Pittsburgh is perpetually underrated. The Steelers won nine games last season with Kenny bloody Pickett under center. While Russell Wilson didn't set the world on fire last season, he's undoubtedly an upgrade.
Don't discount the fact the Falcons are entering a new era, with brand new schemes on both sides of the football. Kirk Cousins is still recovering from his right Achilles tear and his arm is likely to be less than 100% in Week 1.
On top of that, Atlanta has one of the worst front sevens in the NFL. You don't trade a third-round pick for Matthew Judon and sign Justin Simmons at the end of August without realizing your team just doesn't have it.
The public is overvaluing a Falcons team with a ton of question marks. I'm willing to bet they can't figure it all out against a hardnosed Pittsburgh defense in Week 1. Mike Tomlin has never finished with a losing season in time as the head coach in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers thrive as underdogs. I'm all over the Steelers moneyline this week at plus money.
Steelers vs Falcons Prop Pick
Russell Wilson OVER 199.5 Passing Yards (-114)
Call me crazy, but I think Wilson surpasses this passing yardage prop with ease. He hasn't miraculously forgotten how to throw the football in Denver. To start, Wilson threw for just 6.9 yards per pass attempt last year in as a Bronco, the lowest total of his career. Mr. Unlimited needs just 28 attempts to surpass that.
While the Falcons secondary is decent, their pass-rush projects to be one of the worst in the entire NFL. Give any pro quarterback time in the pocket, and they'll pick you apart.
With the leadership of Mike Tomlin behind him, I think Wilson gets his mojo back this season, and that begins with a visit to see the Falcons. Take him to surpass this low number at -114 odds.
Steelers vs Falcons Betting Trends
- Pittsburgh are 13-1-1 SU in their last 15 games against Atlanta
- Pittsburgh are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
- Atlanta are 5-13 SU in their last 18 games played in September
- The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference
