The NFL schedule drop is finally here, and the Atlanta Falcons have some exciting—and challenging—matchups ahead. One of the biggest storylines? A Week 1 road trip to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For new Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, this opener is no easy warm-up. The Steelers are a team with a storied identity, but they're also entering a season of transition. Let's break down what we know about Pittsburgh—and what remains a mystery—as the Falcons prepare for this early-season showdown.
What We Know: A New Era in Pittsburgh
The most seismic change in Steel City? The departure of legendary head coach Mike Tomlin, who stepped away after 19 seasons. In his place, the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy—a Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers (2011). McCarthy's recent tenure with the Dallas Cowboys was a mixed bag: three straight 12-win seasons followed by a 7-10 finish in 2024. After a year out of the league, he's back with something to prove.
On the field, the Falcons' biggest headache will be outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Even at 30, Watt remains a force, tallying seven sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss in just 14 games last season. But here's the twist: Alex Highsmith actually out-produced him, leading the team with 9.5 sacks in 13 games. Together, they form one of the league's most feared pass-rushing duos. For a Falcons team looking to protect their quarterback, this is the ultimate test.
Offensive Weapons to Watch
Offensively, the Steelers have a new focal point: wide receiver DK Metcalf. Acquired from Seattle, Metcalf immediately became Pittsburgh's top target, racking up 850 yards and six touchdowns last season. He's a physical mismatch who can change a game in one play.
In the backfield, Jaylen Warren is the engine, rushing for 958 yards and six scores. And as a change-of-pace option, Rico Dowdle brings excellent value as the RB2—a player who can punish tired defenses late in games.
The Big Question Mark: Quarterback
Here's where things get interesting—and uncertain. We still don't know who will be under center for the Steelers in Week 1. Pittsburgh used a third-round pick on Penn State's Drew Allar, but the real rumor mill is swirling around a potential Aaron Rodgers return. Yes, the same Aaron Rodgers who last played in 2024. If he decides to run it back one more year, the Steelers' offensive outlook changes dramatically.
For the Falcons, preparing for either scenario—a rookie or a future Hall of Famer—is a tall order. But that's what makes Week 1 so compelling. The Steelers are a team in flux, but their talent on defense and at the skill positions means they're never an easy out.
Gear up for what promises to be a hard-hitting, season-opening battle. Whether you're repping the Falcons or just love great football, this is a matchup you won't want to miss.