A historic new chapter of NFL football kicked off Sunday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium, as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons clashed in a highly anticipated Week 1 matchup that looks radically different from years past.
The contest marks the official, regular-season dawn of the Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh. For the first time since 2006, the Steelers took the field without Mike Tomlin on the sidelines, signaling a massive cultural shift for one of the league’s most stable franchises.
McCarthy is only the fourth head coach for the Steelers since 1969.
McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers have been reunited on the field after their tenure together in Green Bay resulted in a Super Bowl win in 2011.
However, it was the Falcons who dominated the pregame headlines due to an immediate crisis at the quarterback position. Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski, also making his regular-season debut for his new club, had his game plan upended as both projected starter Tua Tagovailoa and rookie Michael Penix Jr. were ruled inactive ahead of kickoff.
The personnel shortage pushed seasoned backup Cooper Rush into the starting spotlight to navigate the Falcons against a fierce Pittsburgh defense.
Jawaan Taylor (Right Tackle) is making his official debut, sliding in to replace the retired Kaleb McGary and drawing the heavy assignment of blocking T.J. Watt.
Bralen Trice (Outside Linebacker) spent his first two professional seasons sidelined by injuries, but the 2024 third-round pick was elevated from the practice squad to make his long-awaited NFL career debut.
Meanwhile, the Steelers unveiled their retooled offense under McCarthy’s direction. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes the reins under center, ready to test his chemistry with newly acquired star wideouts DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman.
The game is currently underway as both teams fight to secure a foundational 1-0 start to the 2026 season.
Streaming Platforms & Options
Direct Network Streams: You can stream using a 3-day free trial on FOX One or watch via the Fox Sports App.
Mobile Streaming: Live mobile viewing on phones or tablets is available through a subscription to NFL+.
Live TV Streaming Services: The game can be accessed on platforms that carry local FOX affiliates, including:
Direct Network Streams: You can stream using a 3-day free trial on FOX One or watch via the Fox Sports App.
Mobile Streaming: Live mobile viewing on phones or tablets is available through a subscription to NFL+.
Live TV Streaming Services: The game can be accessed on platforms that carry local FOX affiliates, including:
Fubo (Free trial available)
DIRECTV (Free trial available)
Sling TV (Sling Select or Sling Blue)
Live Updates:
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