Falcons at Steelers: Quarterback change leaves Week 1 betting questions
Atlanta turns to Cooper Rush for its opener, but Pittsburgh’s defensive concerns leave too little support for a wager at the listed prices.
Rush gets the start in Pittsburgh
The Atlanta Falcons visit the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on September 13, 2026, for their NFL regular-season opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
Atlanta says Cooper Rush will start after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique injury. Michael Penix Jr. will also be inactive, leaving Jack Strand as the backup. Rush handled all first-team offensive reps after Tagovailoa’s Thursday injury.
Rush completed 30 of 48 passes for 254 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions across three preseason games. Those results offer limited grounds for projecting his production in this start.
Defensive questions complicate the favorite
Pittsburgh enters with Mike McCarthy as its new head coach following Mike Tomlin’s departure. The Steelers added receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Rico Dowdle, but those additions alone do not establish how effective the offense will be.
Axios reports that Pittsburgh’s defense ranked in the league’s bottom quarter last season and did not improve substantially during the offseason. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is questionable with a back issue after limited participation in all three reported practices. Safety DeShon Elliott is expected to miss at least the first four games.
Atlanta also lists cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. and tackle Cameron Williams as out. Defensive end Za’Darius Smith is questionable.