Steelers (0-0) vs Falcons (0-0)
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons 8/24/2023 — Currently positioned within the NFL’s NFC South division are the Atlanta Falcons. Originally slated to join the American Football League (prior to the NFL-AFL merger), the Falcons came into existence in 1965 as an expansion franchise. However, in 1966, the team transitioned into the NFL as an expansion team. Remarkably, the Falcons’ bid for franchise entry in 1965 marked a significant milestone, making them the most high-priced NFL franchise at the time, with a valuation of $8.5 million. Unfortunately, the initial seasons for the Falcons were marked by struggle, with a cumulative record of 11 losses across their first three seasons.
Turning our attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers, there appears to be a reassuring level of stability in the quarterback situation. Nonetheless, challenges lie ahead as the team must address openings on both the offensive and defensive fronts. The spotlight is on filling the subsequent vacancies: an offensive tackle is widely deemed the top priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the draft’s first round. Although Darnell Wright is frequently projected for this role in various mock drafts, it’s worth noting that the Chicago Bears might claim him earlier. Considering the larger picture, Peter Skoronski could potentially emerge as a more comprehensive player, thus offering an improved outcome. His adaptability, allowing him to play guard and tackle positions, could benefit the team’s overall performance.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Game Info
Time: 7:30 PM ET.
Date: Thursday, August 24, 2023
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA
TV: NFL Network
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett and Atlanta Falcons QB Desmond Ridder
Ridder will undoubtedly start for Atlanta in 2023 because the team elected not to choose a new quarterback in the NFL Draft this past April. In his four games as a rookie last season, the Cincinnati native completed 63.5% of his throws for 708 yards and two touchdowns. Those stats weren’t spectacular from a fantasy viewpoint because Smith changed the strategy to prevent the rookie from making expensive errors.
The Steelers selected Kenny Pickett with the 20th overall choice in the 2022 NFL Draft. He started the season as Mitch Trubisky’s backup, but he was designated the starter in early October. By completing two touchdown passes that ended up winning back-to-back games, he proved his mettle in a variety of high-stress situations. In October, he completed two touchdown passes and eight interceptions, but the rest of the season, he completed five touchdown passes and two interceptions. Additionally, he scored three touchdowns on the run.
Odds/Point Spread: Pittsburgh Steelers -9.5, Total Odds: 49
The Atlanta Falcons did not have much success throughout their career in the NFL, making just 14 postseason appearances. They enjoyed their finest stretch of performance between 2002 and 2012 when they made the playoffs six times. The Atlanta Falcons are one of the NFL clubs that have yet to win a Super Bowl. They came close to winning a Super Bowl in 1998 and 2016, but fell to the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots, respectively. The Falcons have so far won six division crowns and two conference championships. The Falcons have a 379-487-6 overall record, with losses outweighing wins.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
- Pittsburgh is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games with the Atlanta Falcons.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers are 6-0 SU in their last 6 matches against Atlanta.
- The Steelers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on the road.
- The team is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games on the road against Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends
- The total stayed UNDER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 6 games with the Steelers.
- Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 matches at home.
- The Braves are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games at home against Pittsburgh.
- The total remained UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 5 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Atlanta Falcons: In their previous five games against opponents from the National Football Conference South division, the Pittsburgh Steelers have gone 5-0 SU. In 9 of Pittsburgh’s past 11 Thursday games, the total was OVER. In 5 of Atlanta’s last 5 games against opponents from the American Football Conference, the total went UNDER. In their previous 11 games against opponents from the American Football Conference North division, the Atlanta Falcons are 1-10 ATS. In their previous 20 August games, Atlanta is 4-15-1 SU.
Free Pick and Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers will win 31-24.
