Atlanta
Falcons
0-0
18
FINAL
16
Pittsburgh
Steelers
0-0
AI Recap
AI RECAP
Franchise Hub Beat· 7d ago
In a nail-biter to open the 2026 season, the Atlanta Falcons narrowly defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 18-16. Both teams showcased their talents, but it was the Falcons who emerged victorious in this tightly contested matchup, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Pittsburgh's Aaron Rodgers led the charge, throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns, effectively keeping his team in the game. However, it was Bijan Robinson of the Falcons who stole the spotlight on the ground, racking up 99 rushing yards and providing crucial first downs. Meanwhile, DK Metcalf contributed on offense for the Steelers with 84 receiving yards, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Defensively, the Falcons' Avieon Terrell stood out with six total tackles, helping to stifle the Steelers' offensive momentum. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Payton Wilson intercepted Rodgers, giving Atlanta the possession they needed to maintain their lead. Cam Heyward's sack was impactful, but ultimately, it was the Falcons' defensive resilience that sealed their victory in this thrilling season opener.
Passing
Box score: passing stats by player
PlayerPosATTCMPYDSTDINTRTG
Aaron RodgersQB33222652198.6
Michael Penix JrQB1481080152.0
Rushing
Box score: rushing stats by player
PlayerPosATTYDSYPCTDLNGFUM
Bijan RobinsonHB10999.92400
Aaron RodgersQB3258.30220
Rico DowdleHB6223.70110
Michael Penix JrQB4123.00130
Jaylen WarrenHB382.7070
Pat FreiermuthTE000.0000
Receiving
Box score: receiving stats by player
PlayerPosRECYDSYPRTDLNGDROP
DK MetcalfWR68414.00301
Michael PittmanWR48220.51290
Pat FreiermuthTE66711.21230
Zachariah BranchWR44611.50210
Drake LondonWR23819.00290
Rico DowdleHB6325.30120
Olamide ZaccheausWR11919.00190
Kyle Pitts SrTE155.0050
Bijan RobinsonHB000.0001
Defense
Kicking
Box score: kicking stats by player
PlayerPosFGMFGAXPMLNG
Chris BoswellK11124
Nick FolkK11137