The Atlanta Falcons made it to the Super Bowl last season and the Pittsburgh Steelers should be in the hunt with them this year. However, as these two talented squads face off this weekend, it won’t look anything like a clash would in the regular season.
Matt Ryan will likely play sparingly in this exhibition contest while Ben Roethlisberger won’t play at all, and the outcome should come down to which reserves play better. Ryan was fantastic in the preseason opener despite limited snaps, and if he throws another touchdown pass it will be a big leg up for the Falcons.
Roethlisberger didn’t play and won’t see action until the third preseason game. Neither side is expected to have its star running back. Le’Veon Bell is holding out of Steelers camp because of a contract dispute, while Devonta Freeman recently got a contract extension but is dealing with a concussion.
This game in Week 2 of the preseason contest will go down Sunday, August 20, 2017, at 4 p.m. ET at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Falcons -2.5
Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5
Over/Under 39.5
Odds Analysis
The Falcons are favorites despite going on the road because their top players could be in the game for a little while compared to the Steelers, who won’t use Roethlisberger. However, if Ryan can’t lead another early scoring drive, the Steelers could have a good shot at covering considering they are at home.
The scoring total is standard for a preseason game, and much lower than what it would be in the regular season considering how much firepower is in both starting lineups. Most of the stars will play sparingly, which limits the offensive ceiling in this contest.
Quarterback Rotation
Ryan played a series last week and seems likely to see a little bit more action against the Steelers, although he won’t be in the game super long because he only needs a little bit of work and wants to avoid injury. Ryan is coming off a dominant 2016 season, so don’t put it past him to lead another scoring drive or two in his limited work.
Matt Simms saw the most work for Atlanta last week, throwing for 104 yards and completing 10-of-20 passes. Matt Schaub was 2-of-2 for 20 yards while Alek Torgersen was 5-of-5 for 19 yards. Schaub is a veteran who should be fine however long he is in, but the offense started to bog down with the backup signal-callers and that would be trouble if it happens again.
Since Roethlisberger plans to sit, a lot will again be on the plate of rookie Josh Dobbs. He was 8-of-15 for 100 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in his first NFL preseason action and may have trouble limiting turnovers again. Bart Houston was 2-of-7 for 24 yards, and the lack of quarterback talent beyond Roethlisberger is the reason the Steelers are underdogs.
Coaching History
Mike Tomlin is 23-20 in his preseason career, but hasn’t been as good of late. The Steelers are 4-14 over the past four-plus preseasons as the team doesn’t care much about the results with a veteran group.
The Falcons’ Dan Quinn is 5-4 on his preseason career. Quinn went 2-2 in his first year and 3-1 in 2016 before losing the opener this season.
Free ATS Pick
The Falcons have the superior quarterback play, which makes up for the fact that they are on the road. The starting offense is so good that it will likely score some points with Ryan at the helm. If Atlanta gets that advantage, it should be enough to result in a victory.
Dobbs may be a little bit improved but he is still learning the NFL game, and a couple turnovers could be the difference in a close contest.
NFL Odds: Falcons 24, Steelers 17
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