Atlanta Falcons vs Pittsburgh Steelers Picks and Predictions September 8th 2024

Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson Begin New NFL Journeys with Falcons, Steelers

As the NFL season kicks off, all eyes are on two veteran quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson, who are each leading fresh teams in new environments. Cousins is set to guide the Atlanta Falcons, while Wilson takes the helm for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both players have something to prove, and their highly anticipated match-up on Sunday sets the stage for an exciting start to the season.

Cousins’ Fresh Chapter in Atlanta

Kirk Cousins, at 36, has swapped the cold of Minnesota for the warmth of Atlanta, joining the Falcons in what many see as a final push for a Super Bowl run. After signing a massive four-year, $180 million deal, Cousins is stepping in with plenty of expectations. With four Pro Bowl appearances under his belt, he has the experience, but he’s coming off a serious Achilles injury that cut his 2023 season short.

Now leading the Falcons, Cousins hopes to break their postseason drought, which has lingered since 2017. Atlanta’s offense, filled with talented pieces, is ready to shine. However, Cousins isn’t buying into the preseason hype just yet.

“There’s a lot of excitement around the offense, but it’s just talk until we show it on the field,” Cousins remarked in the offseason. His humility is part of why Falcons fans believe he could be the leader they’ve been missing, but he knows that success will be measured in wins, not words.

Raheem Morris Takes Charge as Falcons’ Head Coach

Adding to the fresh energy in Atlanta, Raheem Morris officially begins his tenure as head coach. Morris, who was an interim coach for the Falcons in 2020, brings a ton of defensive expertise, honed during his time as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator. His aggressive style on defense, combined with Cousins running the offense, brings a well-rounded strategy to the team.

Morris has a special history with Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Tomlin, from their days coaching together in Tampa Bay. Their friendship adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming game. As Morris stated, “I don’t get nervous until right before the national anthem. The prep gives me confidence to go out and do what we need to do.”

Wilson Looks to Revitalize His Career in Pittsburgh

Russell Wilson’s time with the Denver Broncos was rocky at best, but now, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he’s looking for redemption. After being released by the Broncos, Wilson signed a one-year, low-risk deal with Pittsburgh. He’s determined to show he still belongs among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

The nine-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champ won the Steelers’ starting job, edging out Justin Fields, who joined Pittsburgh from Chicago. The AFC North is known for its tough competition, but Wilson, even with a nagging calf injury, seems up for the challenge.

“I’m thrilled to be here. The goal is simple: win games,” Wilson said. Despite the injury concerns, Wilson is expected to start in Pittsburgh’s opener, and how well he manages both the injury and the Steelers’ offense will be critical moving forward.

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Injuries Could Shape the Game

Injuries are already a factor for both teams. The Falcons were worried about star tight end Kyle Pitts and linebacker Nate Landman earlier in the week, but both players are expected to be ready for the opener. Pitts, who is a key piece of the Falcons’ offensive puzzle, will likely be one of Cousins’ top targets on Sunday.

For the Steelers, however, things are a bit more complicated. Starting left guard Isaac Seumalo is out with a pectoral injury, and center Nate Herbig is gone for the season with a torn rotator cuff. These key losses on the offensive line could spell trouble for Wilson, especially with his own injury concerns.

On top of that, Pittsburgh is missing wide receiver Roman Wilson and defensive tackle Logan Lee, both out with injuries. How these absences impact the Steelers’ ability to protect Wilson and execute their game plan remains to be seen.

A Historical Rivalry

Looking back, the Steelers have had the upper hand in this rivalry, holding a 15-2-1 record against the Falcons. Atlanta hasn’t beaten Pittsburgh since 2006, but this time around, both teams are coming in with a lot to prove and completely different rosters.

For Atlanta, Cousins’ veteran presence could finally be what helps them get over the hump, while Pittsburgh is banking on Wilson to find his old form and lead them to victory.

Sunday’s Showdown: What to Expect

Both Cousins and Wilson are stepping into new situations, and both have plenty to prove. Cousins must show he can elevate Atlanta’s offense and turn potential into results, while Wilson is out to prove his critics wrong after a tough stint in Denver.

The Falcons’ offense, if it clicks with Cousins under center, could be a major problem for opposing defenses. Pitts’ ability to stretch the field, combined with Cousins’ accuracy, gives Atlanta the tools to make some noise. On the other side, the Steelers will need to protect Wilson, especially with the injuries to their offensive line, to give him a chance to rekindle his career.

Injuries could be the deciding factor here. With a banged-up offensive line, Pittsburgh might struggle to give Wilson the time he needs. That, coupled with Wilson’s own calf injury, may just tilt the balance in favor of the Falcons. For Atlanta, a win would be a huge boost, not just for the team, but for Cousins, who’s looking to prove he still has plenty left in the tank.

Prediction: Given Wilson’s injury and Pittsburgh’s offensive line issues, the Falcons might finally break their long losing streak against the Steelers and start the season with a win.