The Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons will wrap up their 2023 preseason schedule this coming Thursday in Atlanta. Both teams enter this contest undefeated in their first two preseason games.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has stated that his starters will be in action on Thursday. That could give them the early edge as they look to complete a second consecutive 3-0 preseason.
Steelers vs Falcons Odds
NFL odds used for this Pittsburgh vs Atlanta preview were found at MGM Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Tuesday, August 22 at 7:00 AM ET.
- Moneyline: Steelers (-190) • Falcons (+155)
- Spread: Steelers -4.5 (-110) • Falcons +4.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 38 (-110) • Under 38 (-110)
- Implied Score: Steelers 21.25, Falcons 16.75
Steelers vs Falcons Predictions
Score Pick: Steelers 23, Falcons 14
Pittsburgh was impressive on both sides of the ball in last week’s victory against the Buffalo Bills. Their defense forced four turnovers, and a pair of sophomores on offense had standout performances.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett engineered two touchdown drives on his only two series of the game. Running back Jaylen Warren took his only carry 62 yards to the house, showing great burst and breakaway ability.
The pair will look to continue this momentum on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Falcons may rest their second-year starting signal-caller, Desmond Ridder, and other key starters on both sides of the ball.
We could see lots of Logan Woodside and Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke has had his moments in the NFL, but with so many variables concerning Atlanta’s lineup, it would be difficult to back the Falcons in this game.
Steelers vs Falcons Best Bets & Props
Steelers -4.5 (-110)
BetMGM Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
I am picking the Steelers here mainly because they have committed to playing their healthy starters. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is still waiting to decide in that regard.
Even if Atlanta decides to play some starters, it is clear that they are not taking the outcome of this game very seriously. The Steelers generally take the opposite approach, which leads to great results.
The Steelers have won three games in each preseason dating back to 2017. I expect that trend to continue on Thursday, and I am taking the Steelers minus the points as my NFL bet of the day.
Under 38.5 (-110)
BetMGM Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
As you can see by my score prediction, I expect this game to finish very close to the Vegas total. Because of that, I do not want to risk more than 0.5 units on the game total.
The Falcons have yet to score 20 points in either of their preseason games thus far. I do not anticipate that changing, especially if their starters sit out. Pittsburgh has an excellent defense, and I expect them to limit Atlanta’s scoring opportunities.
Steelers vs Falcons Same Game Parlay
Steelers vs Falcons SGP (+264)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.25 units
- Steelers -4.5 (-110)
- Under 38 (-110)
The Steelers should have a clear advantage in this game, especially if Atlanta does not deploy their starters. I will lay the points here and expect Pittsburgh to cover the 4.5-point spread.
The game total may be a sweat, but this game will go under the total. Pittsburgh has an excellent defense and should be able to force the issue on that side of the ball. Atlanta’s backups will have a tough time generating scoring drives.
