The Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons will open their 2026 NFL seasons Sunday afternoon in a matchup featuring two franchises entering new eras.
The Falcons will travel to Acrisure Stadium for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff, with Pittsburgh looking to start the Mike McCarthy era with a victory. The Steelers are also bringing back veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, while Atlanta has been hit by a major quarterback injury just days before the opener.
Falcons Suddenly Turn to Cooper Rush
Atlanta’s quarterback situation has become one of the biggest stories heading into Week 1.
Tua Tagovailoa was originally expected to make his Falcons debut as the starter, but he has been ruled out after suffering a right oblique injury during practice. Michael Penix Jr. also remains unavailable while recovering from knee surgery.
That leaves veteran Cooper Rush as Atlanta’s starter. Rush has 16 career starts and will now be asked to lead an offense featuring some of the league’s most talented skill players.
The Falcons will likely lean heavily on running back Bijan Robinson, while Drake London and Kyle Pitts give Rush dangerous options in the passing game.
Aaron Rodgers Begins Another Chapter
On the other side, all eyes will be on Rodgers.
The veteran quarterback returns for what has been expected to be the final season of his career and reunites with McCarthy, who replaces longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
Pittsburgh went 10-7 last season but suffered a disappointing playoff loss to Houston. The Steelers are hoping the combination of McCarthy and Rodgers can finally push the franchise toward another deep postseason run.
The Steelers also added Michael Pittman Jr. to give Rodgers another established weapon alongside a talented supporting cast.
Pittsburgh’s Defense Could Decide the Game
The biggest advantage for Pittsburgh could come on defense.
Atlanta’s offense is dangerous because of Robinson, London and Pitts, but the Steelers will look to pressure Rush and force the Falcons into obvious passing situations.
Atlanta also enters the game without two important edge rushers. Jalon Walker is out for the season, while James Pearce Jr. is suspended for the first eight games. That could give Rodgers more time in the pocket than expected.
Key Matchup
The biggest matchup will be Bijan Robinson against the Steelers’ defense.
If Robinson can control the game on the ground, Atlanta can keep Rodgers on the sideline and take pressure off Rush. But if Pittsburgh shuts down the run, the Falcons could be forced to rely heavily on their backup quarterback.
Pittsburgh also has a major historical advantage in this matchup. The Steelers are 16-2-1 all-time against Atlanta and have never lost to the Falcons in Pittsburgh.
With Rodgers making his Steelers return, McCarthy beginning his tenure and Atlanta suddenly turning to Rush, there are plenty of storylines to watch.
Pittsburgh’s defense and home field advantage should be enough to give Rodgers and McCarthy a victory in their first game together in Pittsburgh.
