IT’S GAME DAY!!

That means while we all wait for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons to kickoff at 1:00pm EST in Week 1 on Sunday, it’s time to take a look at who the SCN staff likes in this game. The current line for the game is PIT (+3.5) with a Total of 42.

But these picks are vs. the spread, or based on an over/under. These are straight up picks. So, let’s get to the prognostications…

Jeff Hartman

The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone some serious changes within their coaching staff and roster, but so has the Atlanta Falcons in this regard. I can foresee this game being slow to start, with a more exciting second half. Nonetheless, I feel the Steelers defense will be the difference in this game. I expect the Pittsburgh defense to be a Top 5 unit, and to help set up the offense. Speaking of the offense, if Justin Fields is called into action, and he can not turn the ball over, this unit could be more dynamic than most think.

Prediction: Steelers 23, Falcons 20

Dave Schofield 

I had my score all picked out at 16–13 until Big Bro Scho stole it on Tuesday night. What I hadn’t decided was which team I was going to pick. So I decided to change the number by one and ultimately I’m going with the Steelers. This game could go any direction and there’s really not much to go on for Week 1. For me, it’s about the joy it would bring if this is the outcome- meaning a Steelers victory. As for such a low scoring game, I think that’s what’s best suited for the Steelers to pull off the W.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Falcons 13

Jeremy Betz

It appears we’ll get to see the Justin Fields experiment earlier than expected, and that honestly could be just what the doctor ordered for a perennially stale offense looking for a spark as the 2024 season commences. Pair that with a top flight defense that usually gets a jump on opposing offenses early in the season, and I have the Steelers winning a fun opener that may open some eyes across the league. The Falcons won’t lay down here, but Pittsburgh’s D is probably too much for the Dirty Birds to overcome in Week 1. Steelers start 1-0.

Prediction: Steelers 24, Falcons 14

Big Bro Scho

There are still some question marks surrounding the Steelers going into this season. Defensively there aren’t so many. We know what the defense will be and have high expectations for them. Offensively the quarterback situation is still very fluid, and a few injuries along the offensive line also has some questions about stability there. In the end I believe the defense will be the difference in the opening game for the Steelers and they pull off a close victory.

Prediction: Steelers 16, Falcons 13

Corey Eckenroth

The NFL is all about the game matchups. In this case, Arthur Smith schemes an offense that keeps the Falcons on their heels. This doesn’t mean the game is a blowout though, as the Steelers offense has trouble finishing drives for TD’s early in the season. The Steelers defense does what everyone thinks it’s going to do: It puts the rest of the league on notice that they are not great, but ELITE.

Prediction: Steelers 19, Falcons 13

Jason Murphy

It won’t be pretty, but I believe the offensive line will begin to show some growth late in the game after several young players get their first taste of real NFL action against a good defensive front. Justin Fields does just enough with his legs to keep a few crucial drives alive, and the defensive stars perform some late game heroics to preserve the win.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Falcons 13

What is your prediction? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the upcoming Week 18 game between the Steelers and Ravens.