ATLANTA -- Each week, our football staff at DK Pittsburgh Sports predicts the Steelers' result, along with sharing a few related thoughts.
For a full preview of this matchup with the Falcons, check my Kickoff.
Chris Halicke (6-5): The Steelers are much better at stopping the run this year, as they rank seventh in the NFL. However, Cordarrelle Patterson and a dynamic, versatile rushing attack will not be easy to stop. While most of the time a mobile quarterback such as Marcus Mariota can cause fits, this is one thing the Steelers are always ready for since they play in the same division as Lamar Jackson. On the flip side, the Steelers are running the ball more effectively, and the Falcons just gave up 176 yards on the ground in their loss to the Commanders. I believe Kenny Pickett will continue to improve, but I'm still very aware this Steelers team is a work in progress, so no blowout. Steelers, 23-20
Matt Williamson (5-6): Playing on a short week on the road against a very physical running team worries me, but the Falcons are very devoid of talent and are starting to really come back to Earth while the Steelers are trending in the other direction. The Steelers' defense will likely sell out to stop the run and that doesn't leave a lot else for Atlanta's offense. On the other side the ball, the Steelers should show balance against an easy defense to play against. Steelers, 24-17
Ramon Foster (5-6): I don't know if this is even a tough one to pick. Both teams are bad. You've got a young quarterback and an offensive line that's not that great. Atlanta's running game, you know what that is. Patterson is dangerous is special teams, and they way we looked this past week in special teams. What are we doing, man? Patterson is a very opportunistic guy, as far as field position goes. Atlanta's got some good quality wins. They've beaten the Browns. They have a few other games on their list, such as the 49ers. They have some good wins. They're coming off a last-second loss though to the Commanders. But, I've still got the Falcons winning this one. Falcons, 24-17
Dejan Kovacevic (3-8): As my season record here conspicuously demonstrates, I hate everything about predicting these games. (Or any games. It’s just not something I take seriously.) But I still hate picking this one more than most. I don’t have cause to believe the Steelers will slow Atlanta’s volume-based running game and, at the same time, I don’t have cause to believe the Falcons’ defense can stop the Pickett offense and, at the same time, I don’t have cause to fully believe in the Pickett offense yet. Ugh. Good luck. Steelers, 24-23
Let's have your picks in the comments!