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I don’t have to sell you on how critical this game is for the Falcons or the Steelers. Both teams are in danger of falling into a deep hole in a competitive division, with the Falcons possibly getting in so deep that they’ll effectively be out of the playoffs before the season is even half over. They won’t be mathematically eliminated, of course, but they’ll be in a situation where they need to go 8-3 or better just to sniff the postseason.
This week’s opponent is another in a series of games against teams with good offenses and subpar defenses, matchups the Falcons have not been able to exploit to this point. If they want to beat the Steelers, they’ll need to stay sharp on offense and score 30 points, in all likelihood, while playing defense at a level they managed against Cincinnati in the second half of last week’s game. I’m not overly optimistic at the moment, as much as I hate to say that, but the Falcons have been painfully close each of the last two weeks and still have the talent to pull this one off on the road.
Here’s what you’ll need to know for Sunday.
Falcons @ Steelers key info
Time: Sunday, October 7, 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV Channel: FOX
Streaming: FuboTV
Announcers: Chris Myers and Daryl Johnston
Radio: 92.9 The Game
Odds: The Falcons are three point underdogs
Prediction: Falcons lose, 34-31
Key Questions: Can the Falcons’ defense overcome their lousy two game skid, communicate better, and coverage dynamic group of weapons for Pittsburgh? Will the offense keep up its torrid pace on the road? Will Brian Poole not fall victim to a spin move this week?
SB Nation Opposition Site: Behind the Steel Curtain
Twitter: @TheFalcoholic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheFalcoholic
2018 Falcons Schedule (1-3)
Week 1: Falcons @ Eagles, Thursday Night Football - Loss
Week 2: Falcons vs. Panthers, Win
Week 3: Falcons vs. Saints, Loss
Week 4: Falcons vs. Bengals, Loss
Week 5: Falcons @ Steelers, Sunday October 7 1:00 p.m.
Week 6: Falcons vs. Buccaneers, Sunday October 14 1:00 p.m.
Week 7: Falcons vs. Giants, Monday Night Football October 22 8:15 p.m.
Week 8: BYE WEEK
Week 9: Falcons @ Redskins, Sunday November 4 1:00 p.m.
Week 10: Falcons @ Browns, Sunday November 11 1:00 p.m.
Week 11: Falcons vs. Cowboys, Sunday November 18 1:00 p.m.
Week 12: Falcons @ Saints, Thursday Night Football - Thanksgiving November 22 8:20 p.m.
Week 13: Falcons vs. Ravens, Sunday December 2 1:00 p.m.
Week 14: Falcons @ Packers, Sunday December 9 1:00 p.m.
Week 15: Falcons vs. Cardinals, Sunday December 16 1:00 p.m.
Week 16: Falcons @ Panthers, Sunday December 23 1:00 p.m.
Week 17: Falcons @ Buccaneers, Sunday December 30 1:00 p.m.