Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Underdog Steelers pull off road upset vs. Falcons

Originally posted on Action Network | By Kaelen Jones | Last updated Sep 8, 2024 6:21 PM ET

The Steelers outmuscled the Falcons to pull off an 18-10 upset in Atlanta to open the season.

The result marks another impressive outing for coach Mike Tomlin in a situation where he wasn’t expected to win. Pittsburgh closed as a 3.5-point underdog, yet fielded 84% of public wagers.

The Steelers have arguably been the NFL’s most dependable underdog performers under Tomlin. Pittsburgh hasn't finished a season below .500 ATS as an underdog since 2016 and it's only happened twice under Tomlin, who took over in 2007.

The Steelers leaned on their ground game with starting quarterback Russell Wilson out nursing a calf injury. Justin Fields (17-of-23, 156 yards; 14 carries, 57 yards) and Najee Harris (20 carries, 70 yards) provided just enough offensively, as the Steelers grounded out a victory.

In his Falcons debut, Kirk Cousins completed 16-of-25 passes for 155 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Atlanta’s offense struggled to get much going as All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt (two fumble recoveries) and the Steelers defense dominated the line of scrimmage.

Per Action Network’s Evan Abrams, Pittsburgh entered Sunday 59-35-4 ATS (63%) as an underdog during Tomlin’s tenure. In that span, the Steelers would make a $100 bettor $2,138, making Tomlin the most profitable coach as a dog in the last 20 years.

Fields’ performance on Sunday was erratic, but he overcame mistakes with timely throws and tough carries, helping to set up kicker Chris Boswell’s six field goals (including three from 50 yards or more).

Entering Sunday, Fields was 4-15 outright as a road underdog. Only Trevor Lawrence (4-13) and Bryce Young (0-8) were less profitable moneyline bets in that position since Fields entered the NFL three seasons ago.

The Steelers will face the Broncos next week, while the Falcons will take on the Eagles on Monday night.

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