Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Week 1 wrap-up: Steelers win opener 20-13

Take a look at these AJC stories for all the action from Week 1.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Pittsburgh. The Falcons lost to the Steelers, 20-13, at Acrisure Stadium. (Justin Berl/AP)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Pittsburgh. The Falcons lost to the Steelers, 20-13, at Acrisure Stadium. (Justin Berl/AP)
By AJC Sports
Updated 34 minutes ago

Before the season even started, the Falcons already had their first hint of adversity, when they announced Tua Tagovailoa as the starter on Monday, only to have him experience back spasms before the opener on Sunday.

The Falcons lost to the Steelers, 20-13, at Acrisure Stadium, and they’ll look to figure out their quarterback situation — whether to turn back to Tagovailoa or again start Cooper Rush — for Sunday’s home opener against the Panthers.

Here’s a look back at Week 1:

Game content

Pregame content

Correction

This story has been updated to correct the score of the Steelers game.