Steelers Hold Off Falcons for Week 1 Win in 2026 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers held on for a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 of the 2026 season. It wasn't Pittsburgh's best performance after winning the AFC North a season ago, but the Mike McCarthy era starts with a win.

42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense didn't have their best day, but the defense stepped up.

Star edge rusher T.J. Watt had a pick-six, while Jaquan Brisker also added an interception. The pass rush was also strong for the Steelers, with Watt and Alex Highsmith contributing two apiece. 

While Pittsburgh was going up against the Falcons' third-string quarterback, Cooper Rush, it was a strong defensive effort to build on for the 2026 season. Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.

Bijan Robinson didn't dominate in the run game with 83 yards on 23 carries, but exploded as a receiver out of the backfield with eight receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown. However, it wasn't enough for Atlanta's offense to get the win.

The Steelers defense played at this level without star cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who did not reach a contract extension before the season.

If he returns to the team at some point this season, it could elevate the defense to be one of the best in the NFL.

On offense, there is a ton of room for improvement for Pittsburgh. Rodgers completed 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards, a touchdown, and zero interceptions. Pat Freiermuth was the beneficiary of the touchdown and had five receptions for 46 yards. 

Michael Pittman Jr. had a solid Steelers debut with three receptions for 58 yards, while DK Metcalf added four receptions for 40 yards. More is expected of the receiver duo for the remainder of the season for the offense to reach its full potential.

The run game was a big weakness for the Steelers' offense, as Jaylen Warren rushed for 46 yards on 10 carries, and Rico Dowdle couldn't get anything going, rushing for 15 yards on eight carries.

Pittsburgh has some solid weapons on offense, but they couldn't put it together in Week 1. McCarthy and Rodgers will need to go to the drawing board ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots.