Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons 9/8/24 – As the 2024 NFL season begins, both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons teams strive to move past preseason struggles, having started their campaigns on a losing note (0-3). This upcoming encounter on Sunday can be safely rated as thrilling and, instead, a chance for psychological recovery, as the two teams will face off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It is already becoming a notable one for customers at the best betting sites online.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons 9/8/24
| When: | Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 1:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | +2.5 (-102) | 41.5 over (-115) | +144 |  |
| Falcons | -2.5 (-120) | 41.5 under (-108) | -160 | |
| ||||
us rn 😊 pic.twitter.com/zqzQGSL6KS
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 3, 2024
The Steelers enter the game as underdogs, with a +2.5 point spread and a +144 moneyline, reflecting their struggles but also hinting at their potential to upset. On the other hand, the Falcons are favored at home, but not overwhelmingly so, indicating that bookmakers expect a closely contested game. The total set at 41.5 suggests a moderately scoring game, aligning with both teams’ recent betting trends.
Kyle Allen QB vs. Taylor Heinicke QB
Kyle Allen, who came in to take over as the Steelers’ quarterback, was very pleased stepping on the field with a 71.4% completion rate and 97.5 quarterback rating during the preseason. Even though Kyle Allen was sacked three times during the game, he has an impressive long pass of 59 yards and a high rate of completion. That means against the Falcons, he would use his arm strength and accuracy very well.
On the other hand, Taylor Heinicke’s passing completion stood at a mere 45.5% while his passer rating Differential bought home the vulgar robustness of 59.5. Views understood from his performance call for adjustments in his craft, especially in the long field passes which could come in handy in puncturing the Steelers defensive curve.
We see two quarterback match-ups and when the two go head to head, it is apparent Allen’s relatively consistent game gives the Steelers an advantage. Heinicke’s task will be to put his preseason issues behind him and become a weapon that can exploit the Steelers defense.
Steelers’ Strategy
The Steelers’ rushing and receiving corps, led by Justin Fields and Dez Fitzpatrick, have shown potential despite the overall team struggles. Fields, with an average of 3.7 yards per carry, needs to find more breakthroughs, possibly through enhanced O-line coordination. Fitzpatrick, averaging 43.3 receiving yards per game and an impressive 26 yards per catch, could be pivotal in stretching the Falcons’ secondary and creating scoring opportunities.
Ground Game and Aerial Attack: Falcons’ Response
For the Falcons, Jase McClellan emerges as a key figure in the backfield, boasting a higher yards per carry and the team’s only rushing touchdown in the preseason. His ability to break through for significant gains will be crucial. Chris Blair, leading the receivers with 51.3 yards per game, must capitalize on every target to set the pace and challenge the Steelers’ defensive backs effectively.
Trends
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh’s last 6 games.
Pittsburgh are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against Atlanta.
Pittsburgh are 13-1-1 SU in their last 15 games against Atlanta.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh’s last 10 games on the road.
Pittsburgh are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends
Atlanta are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
Falcons are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games.
Atlanta are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games at home.
Atlanta are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta’s last 8 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons Betting Prediction
Looking at the form and the contrasting player matchups, the Steelers have the ability to come out as underdogs. Good thing they have a better quarterback and have won this fixture convincingly more times than not, thus they may be more than able to cover the spread.
From the looks of it, it appears that there may be value on the over on Pittsburgh’s team total as they will have the ability to score on Atlanta’s defense. As for a straight-up tie, of the two, it would be safe to bet on Pittsburgh to cover and perhaps even claim the game, especially for people who want a free NFL prediction today.
Score Prediction: Steelers 24, Falcons 20.
