The Atlanta Falcons will aim to break a long-standing losing streak against the Pittsburgh Steelers when the two teams meet in Week 1 of the NFL regular season. Despite their dismal 2-18 record against Pittsburgh, the Falcons are entering the matchup with a sense of optimism and a belief that they can end their losing ways.
The Atlanta Falcons have endured a tortuous history against the Pittsburgh Steelers, losing 18 of their previous 20 encounters. However, as they prepare for their Week 1 clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Falcons are harboring a newfound confidence that they can finally snap their losing skid.
Falcons Favored to Snap Steelers Streak in Week 1
Atlanta's optimism stems from a number of factors, including the return of star quarterback Matt Ryan, who missed the majority of last season due to injury. Ryan is a proven winner, leading the Falcons to Super Bowl LI and earning the NFL MVP award in 2016. His presence alone provides a significant boost to the team's morale and playoff aspirations.
In addition to Ryan's return, the Falcons have made several key acquisitions during the offseason that have bolstered their roster. They signed tight end Kyle Pitts, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, who is expected to become Ryan's go-to target. They also added veteran wide receiver Tajae Sharpe, who provides depth and experience to the passing attack.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons have added cornerback Fabian Moreau and linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who are both expected to make an immediate impact. Moreau is a physical presence with excellent coverage skills, while Carter is a versatile pass rusher who can create havoc in the backfield.
While the Falcons have made significant improvements to their roster, they are still facing a formidable opponent in the Steelers. Pittsburgh boasts a talented offense led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is entering his 18th season in the NFL. Roethlisberger has a wealth of experience and a knack for winning big games.
The Steelers also have one of the most productive wide receiver duos in the league in JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson. Both players are capable of making explosive plays and stretching the defense. In addition, running back Najee Harris is a rising star who provides Pittsburgh with a dangerous ground attack.
Despite the challenges posed by the Steelers, the Falcons believe they have the talent and determination to pull off the upset. They are coming off a disappointing 4-12 season, but they are eager to prove that they are capable of competing with the NFL's elite teams.
The Falcons' home crowd is expected to play a significant role in creating a hostile environment for the Steelers. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known for its deafening noise levels and passionate fan base, which could give the Falcons a much-needed edge.
While the Falcons are underdogs on paper, they have a history of surprising their opponents. In 2016, they upset the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs as a No. 6 seed. They also defeated the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers during that Super Bowl run.
The Falcons are aware that they face a difficult task in Week 1, but they are confident in their abilities. They believe that they have the talent, the leadership, and the momentum to finally end their losing streak against the Steelers and kick off the season with a statement-making victory.
