It’s time for our first NFL Sunday of the season. The Falcons are traveling to face the Steelers, but leaving their presumed starting quarterback at home. With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined and Cooper Rush under center for Atlanta, this player prop market got a whole lot more interesting.
Pittsburgh is a six-point home favorite with -265 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. Atlanta is a +215 underdog, with the game total set at O/U 40.5 points.
Let’s dive into the top player prop bets for Sunday’s clash between the Falcons and the Steelers.
Falcons vs. Steelers NFL Player Prop Bets
Bijan Robinson 36+ Receiving Yards (-109)
This feels like a gimme after the news about Tua Tagovailoa. One of the best receiving backs in the league, Robinson was a consistent force in the passing game last year, recording 36 or more receiving yards in 11 of his 17 starts. Volume remained consistent as well, as the All-Pro running back garnered 5+ targets in 12 of 17 games.
A matchup like this will help his passing work. Pittsburgh can bring heavy pressure with their defensive line, and Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey will shadow Drake London all afternoon. Cooper Rush will often look for checkdown options, boosting Bijan’s volume appeal. I also expect Atlanta to use screens and quick passes to get Robinson involved as they look to move the ball against a strong defense.
Jaylen Warren 40+ Rushing Yards and Rico Dowdle 40+ Rushing Yards SGP (+148)
This is as great a spot as you could ask for to get Pittsburgh’s two-man backfield on the move.
After forming a successful partnership with Kenneth Gainwell last season, Jaylen Warren has an even better partner in crime. Rico Dowdle was a force last season for the Carolina Panthers and is expected to take the bulk of the carries for Pittsburgh. But Warren will certainly be involved, and they’re both going to eat against this Falcons defense.
Last season, the Falcons were 24th in total rushing yards allowed and 25th in opponent yards per carry. Stopping the run won’t be any easier now that Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. are sidelined. Warren figures to get more looks on passing downs than Dowdle, but both will feature heavily in what should be a positive game script for the Steelers. It may not be explosive for either back, but there will be enough volume to sustain them both.
