Atlanta Falcons: Game-by-game predictions for the 2018 season

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Julio Jones #11 after scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 27: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs up field on a kick off against the Atlanta Falcons during a pre-season game on August 27, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Week 5: at Pittsburgh Steelers

I don’t know what it is about the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the Atlanta Falcons sure do have trouble beating them. In case you didn’t remember, the last time Atlanta played Pittsburgh in Heinz Field, the Dirty Birds lost in overtime 15-9. To make matters even worse, Ben Roethlisberger didn’t even play that day for the black and gold – it was Dennis Dixon.

While Atlanta is surely a much differently-built team this time around, I still think they’ll struggle against a very formidable Steelers offense. With Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and LeVeon Bell, the Falcons defense could be in for a long day at the office, especially having to communicate with all of those yellow flags waving through the stands.

If the Falcons do end up proving me wrong and end their losing streak against the Steelers, it’ll likely be because of Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman. These two talented running backs are the key to Atlanta winning close, crucial games this season. Needless to say, if they get going early against Pittsburgh, it’ll be the Steelers defense who struggles to get off the field.

Even with a loss, the Falcons are in good shape to continue pursuing their third-straight season making the NFC Playoffs.

Final Score:

Atlanta Falcons (3-2): 19, Pittsburgh Steelers: 31

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