Steelers vs. Falcons Preview: A New Era Begins in Pittsburgh
The wait is finally over.
The Pittsburgh Steelers open the 2026 NFL season Sunday afternoon when they welcome the Atlanta Falcons to Acrisure Stadium, and there will be no shortage of storylines surrounding the first meaningful snap of the year.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, with the game airing nationally on FOX.
More importantly for Pittsburgh, Sunday marks the beginning of a new chapter under head coach Mike McCarthy. After months of roster changes, training camp battles and preseason preparation, the Steelers finally get the chance to see what their new-look team can do when the games actually count.
A New Era Begins in Pittsburgh
There is always extra energy surrounding a season opener, but this one feels a little different.
McCarthy takes over a Steelers franchise coming off a 10-7 season and an AFC North championship, but Pittsburgh enters 2026 with bigger goals than simply reaching the postseason.
The Steelers spent the offseason reshaping the roster and installing new systems on both sides of the football. Sunday will provide the first real indication of how quickly everything has come together.
Playing the opener at Acrisure Stadium should only add to the atmosphere. Pittsburgh has spent the entire week celebrating the start of the season, and Steelers Nation should be ready to make life difficult for Atlanta from the opening drive.
Steelers Defense Gets an Opportunity
One of the biggest developments entering Sunday's game is at quarterback for Atlanta.
Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out with an oblique injury, meaning veteran Cooper Rush will start against Pittsburgh.
That doesn't mean the Steelers defense can relax.
The Falcons still possess one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons in running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson is coming off a monster 2025 season in which he produced 2,298 yards from scrimmage, including 1,478 rushing yards.
Atlanta can also attack through the air with Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, giving Rush plenty of weapons even if he wasn't originally expected to be the Week 1 starter.
For Pittsburgh, controlling Robinson should be priority No. 1.
If the Steelers can make Atlanta one-dimensional and force Rush into obvious passing situations, it could allow T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Pittsburgh's pass rush to take control of the game.
Keep T.J. Watt Fresh
How Pittsburgh uses Watt will also be worth watching.
McCarthy has already indicated that the Steelers want to rotate more defenders this season rather than asking their stars to play an overwhelming number of snaps.
That could prove especially important late in games.
A fresh Watt coming off the edge in the fourth quarter is about as unpleasant a sight as an opposing quarterback can see, and Pittsburgh would love to put Rush into situations where the Falcons have no choice but to throw the football.
Can Pittsburgh Establish the Run?
On the other side of the ball, the Steelers may have an opportunity to establish their rushing attack early.
Atlanta surrendered 4.6 yards per carry in 2025, ranking near the bottom of the league in that category, and the Falcons lost several contributors from last year's front seven during the offseason.
If Pittsburgh's offensive line can control the line of scrimmage, the Steelers should be able to keep the offense ahead of the chains and avoid consistently facing third-and-long situations.
That would also open the door for play-action and give McCarthy's offense a chance to attack Atlanta's secondary vertically.
Matchup to Watch: Steelers Pass Rush vs. Falcons Offensive Line
This could ultimately be where Sunday's game is decided.
Atlanta's offensive line was impressive in pass protection last season, allowing only 26 sacks.
Pittsburgh's defense is built around creating pressure.
Something has to give.
If Atlanta can keep Rush upright and consistently get Robinson involved, the Falcons have enough offensive talent to create problems.
If Watt, Highsmith and the Steelers' defensive front begin collapsing the pocket, however, Pittsburgh could quickly take control of the afternoon.
Joey Porter Jr.'s Status Bears Watching
The Steelers enter Week 1 relatively healthy, although cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is officially questionable with a back injury.
His availability could be significant against an Atlanta receiving corps led by London.
Pittsburgh is already without safety DeShon Elliott, who begins the season on injured reserve, meaning the Steelers' secondary depth could be tested immediately.
Three Keys to a Steelers Victory
1. Contain Bijan Robinson
Everything Atlanta wants to do offensively becomes easier when Robinson is consistently gaining yards. Pittsburgh can't allow him to dictate the game.
2. Pressure Cooper Rush
The Steelers should test Atlanta's backup quarterback early. Make him uncomfortable, force quick decisions and create opportunities for turnovers.
3. Win the Line of Scrimmage
Week 1 games aren't always pretty. Establishing the run, protecting the football and controlling the trenches could be more important than producing explosive plays.
Prediction
Season openers can be unpredictable, especially when both teams are installing new systems and trying to establish their identities.
Atlanta has enough talent to make this uncomfortable. Robinson is capable of taking over a game, and the Falcons still have dangerous receiving weapons despite their quarterback situation.
But playing at Acrisure Stadium with Rush unexpectedly starting at quarterback feels like a matchup Pittsburgh's defense should be able to exploit.
Expect the Steelers to lean on their defense, establish the running game and gradually pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Falcons 16
Game Information
- Matchup: Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- TV: FOX
After an offseason filled with changes and expectations, it's finally time to see what the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers look like when the scoreboard matters.
Football is back in Pittsburgh.