It’s the official lull of the NFL offseason, and that means it provides enough time to go over things which you might not have time to dive into when the news and storylines are rampant. One of the things which is always something I want to do is an in-depth preview on the schedule. When the schedule gets released it involves a very knee jerk reaction from the fan base, but not a lot of introspection happens once the dust settles.

Well, if you’re like me, you’re in luck. This is the detailed breakdown of the Steelers 2024 regular season schedule, by week.

Week 1: at the Atlanta Falcons

Date: Sunday, September 8th

Time: 1:00pm EST

TV: FOX Sports

Last Meeting: 12/4/2022 – Steelers 19 / Falcons 17

Overall Series Record: Steelers lead 15-2-1

2023 Records:

Steelers: 10-7

Falcons: 7-10

Early Betting Lines: Steelers +2.5 / O/U: 43 / Moneyline: Steelers +120

Projected Starting QB Matchup: Kirk Cousins vs. Russell Wilson

Analysis: This matchup seems dull at first glance, but the more you look at it the more intriguing the matchup becomes. Kirk Cousins getting a new start with the Falcons, with Raheem Morris taking over for now Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Not to mention the turnover both teams have had on their roster. When you consider the two players who quarterbacked the team last year, not to mention other key positions being changed, these two teams will look vastly different than the last time they played…which was in 2022 when Kenny Pickett’s strike to Connor Heyward was the deciding factor in the game.

The Steelers have had a tremendous amount of success vs. the Falcons in their history, and some memorable games come to mind between the two franchises. For as long as I live, I’ll never forget the 2002 game at Heinz Field between a Tommy Maddox led Steelers and the Mike Vick led Falcons which ended in a tie. Vick made play after play to gut the Falcons into overtime, and when the clock expired a deep pass to Plaxico Burress was caught, with the ball not crossing the line…but at the one-yard line. It was as memorable as a tie can get.

Who also can forget the game in Atlanta in 2006 when Hines Ward ran shoeless into the endzone, but that game resulted in an overtime loss after Ben Roethlisberger left the game with an injury.

As I said earlier, this game on paper might look dull, but I feel like this might have more fireworks than people might think. Cousins looking to rejuvenate his career after his ruptured Achilles tendon while with the Minnesota Vikings last year, and Wilson looking to get his Steelers tenure off on the right foot. Not to mention some top tier offensive playmakers like George Pickens and Bijan Robinson, this game could be more competitive than most believe. In the end, I think the Steelers make enough plays to win the game.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Falcons 20

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for training camp in July, and if you missed a schedule breakdown you can see them below when available.