Atlanta looks to break playoff drought as Pittsburgh starts fresh with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Category: Sports
The Atlanta Falcons will open the 2026 NFL regular season on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 13, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium. With both teams entering Week 1 carrying a host of questions, this matchup marks a notable beginning for new head coaches Kevin Stefanski and Mike McCarthy.
Stefanski is tasked with leading the Falcons, who have not reached the playoffs since 2017 and are aiming to end a nine-year drought for the NFC South title. Meanwhile, McCarthy steps in to replace Mike Tomlin after 19 seasons, looking to rejuvenate a Steelers team that has gone 10-7 in each of the past three seasons without advancing in the postseason.
The Falcons are coming into this game with a challenging quarterback situation. Cooper Rush, who will be making his first start for Atlanta, has been thrust into the spotlight due to the injuries to both Tagovailoa and Penix. As reported by CBS News, Tagovailoa was ruled out due to an oblique injury, leaving Rush, who has been dealing with back spasms, to lead the offense.
On the other side, the Steelers will rely heavily on veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has announced that this will be his final season in the NFL. Rodgers, who had a productive previous season with 24 touchdowns and over 3,300 yards, will look to establish a strong connection with his new head coach, Mike McCarthy, who previously coached him in Green Bay.
Both teams have faced recent struggles, with the Falcons having recorded back-to-back 8-9 seasons. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016, which has added pressure to McCarthy's debut. The stakes are high for both franchises, as they seek to make a positive impression early in the season.
This game is more than just a season opener; it symbolizes a fresh start for both organizations. The Falcons are under new management with general manager Ian Cunningham and head coach Stefanski, who aims to build a competitive team capable of returning to playoff contention. The Steelers, meanwhile, are looking to shed the weight of their recent playoff failures and establish a new identity under McCarthy.
In terms of gameplay, the Falcons will lean heavily on their star running back, Bijan Robinson, who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards in the previous season. Robinson's ability to carry the team offensively will be a focal point, especially with the uncertainty at quarterback. The Falcons' defense, which recorded 13 sacks in the red zone during the 2025 season, will also play a key role in trying to contain Rodgers and the Steelers' offense.
The Steelers enter the game with a slight edge, as they have been established as 3.5-point favorites. The combination of Rodgers at quarterback and McCarthy at the helm creates a formidable challenge for the Falcons. Pittsburgh's offense is expected to utilize a balanced attack, with Jaylen Warren leading the ground game. Warren averaged 13.1 rushing attempts per game last season, contributing significantly to Pittsburgh's offensive rhythm.
As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to establish their identities in the early weeks. For the Falcons, a strong performance against a playoff-caliber team like the Steelers could set the tone for a successful season. On the contrary, a loss could deepen the concerns surrounding their quarterback situation and the team's ability to compete.
The upcoming schedule for both teams also adds layers to their season opener. Following this game, the Falcons will host the Carolina Panthers, and the Steelers will face the New England Patriots. Each matchup will be important as both teams strive to improve their standings within their respective divisions.
Kickoff for the Falcons versus Steelers matchup is set for 1:00 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action on FOX. Streaming options are available through FuboTV, which offers a free trial for new users. With both teams eager to prove themselves, this opening game will likely be an intriguing contest.
As the new season begins, attention will turn to how well the Falcons can adapt to their new coaching staff and quarterback situation, and whether the Steelers can capitalize on their experienced lineup to finally break their playoff drought. The outcome of this game could have lasting implications for both franchises as they navigate the 2026 season.