Last NFL preseason proved to be a big step forward for the Atlanta Falcons, as they made it all the way to the Super Bowl, only to lose in disastrous fashion to the New England Patriots in OT. While everyone likes them to bounce back nicely this season, we need to remember that everyone said the same thing about the Carolina Panthers last year, and we all know how that played out. There is no denying that the Falcons are once again going to be an offensive juggernaut, but the big question here is whether the defense can step up and make plays, which includes getting to the opposing QB, which is something the Falcons have not done well for quite some time. Thus, make sure you review the updated NFL preseason betting odds for this preseason match right here.If they do make it back to the Super Bowl, there is a very good chance that the Pittsburgh Steelers might be there to meet them. Big Ben and the rest of the Steelers offence will once again be among the best in the NFL, and their young defensive unit now has another year of experience under their belts. These two very good teams will hook up on Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers were 11-8 ATS in 2016, taking them to 29-22-3 over the past 3 seasons, which is not a bad average at all. Pittsburgh went 14-11-1 in their home games from 2014 onwards, and went 2-1-1 ATS when they were installed as a home underdog. The fact that they were only the dog 4 times in the last 3 seasons tells you how tough they are to beat in their own building.
Here’s a Closer Look at the NFL Preseason Odds Atlanta vs. Pittsburgh
When: Sunday, August 20 at 4 PM ESTWhere: Heinz Field, PittsburghTV: NFL NetworkRadio: Sirius XM RadioLive Stream: NFL Game PassNFL Preseason Odds: Atlanta Falcons -2½ (-115)GAMETIME WEATHERClear28°C/82°FHumidity 44%Precipitation % 0%Cloud Cover 3%Wind 4 mph SSWStadium Type OpenStraight Up Stats
The Falcons head into Pittsburgh looking for a better performance than the one that they delivered in Week 1 of the NFL preseason. This was a team that finished 13-6 last season, taking their SU record over the last 3 seasons to 27-24. During that time, the Falcons went 13-11 on the road, including a 6-3 record as the road favorite, which is what they are for this one.It’s not often that the Steelers are labeled as an underdog at home, but they are 2.5-point dogs for this one. The Steelers went 13-6 last season, taking them to an impressive 35-19 since 2014. During that time, the Steelers went 19-7 in their own building, but just 2-2 as the home underdog. The edge here is that WR Martavis Bryant will in from the start after being cleared to play after a suspension.Titans Host Panthers as Home Favorites in Week 2 Preseason Odds
Point Spread Stats
Atlanta were a solid bet ATS last year, posting a 12-7 record, taking them to 25-26 over the past 3 seasons. They have done a nice job over covering on the road during that stretch, going 13-11, although they were just 4-5 when they went into enemy territory as the betting odds favorite. They are certainly going to need to be better on offense than they were in Week 1 to win here.