Biggest winners, losers from Steelers' Week 1 victory over Falcons
Andrew Vasquez
The Pittsburgh Steelers started off their 2026 season with a bang, dominating the Atlanta Falcons en route to a 20-13 victory that included a handful of standouts — and duds — from Sunday's game.
From a pair of edge rushers who just couldn't be stopped in Week 1 to a struggling quarterback-wide receiver connection, here's a look at the biggest winners and losers from the Steelers' Week 1 win over the Falcons.
Winners
T.J. Watt
There was no bigger winner in the Week 1 season opener than Watt, who recorded two sacks, three tackles for loss, and a pick-six to begin his 2026 season. Watt has reminded the rest of the league that he should always be treated as a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year whenever he's healthy.
Alex Highsmith
Highsmith must've been listening to the offseason trade speculation, because he was a man possessed in the Week 1 win over Atlanta. Highsmith finished the contest with two sacks, two tackles for loss, and three combined tackles. If it wasn't for Watt's utter dominance, Highsmith would be at the top of this list.
Payton Wilson
Wilson flew all over the field on Sunday, ...