Steelers and Falcons Kick Off 2026 NFL Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons are set to launch their 2026 NFL seasons on Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium, marking a significant moment for both franchises as they enter new eras.

The game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET, with the Steelers aiming to secure a win under new head coach Mike McCarthy and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In contrast, the Falcons face challenges due to a major injury to their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who will miss the game due to a right oblique injury sustained in practice.

With Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. unavailable, Atlanta will rely on Cooper Rush, a veteran with 16 career starts, to lead their offense. The Falcons will likely focus on running back Bijan Robinson, supported by receivers Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's defense will aim to exploit Atlanta's situation, especially with the absence of key edge rushers for the Falcons. Historically, the Steelers have a strong record against Atlanta, holding a 16-2-1 advantage in their matchups.