ATLANTA Falcons At PITTSBURGH steelers

When: Today, 1 p.m.

TV/radio: Fox Channels 17/62 and 53; WNIO-AM 1390.

Series record: Steelers lead 11-2-1.

Last meeting: Falcons beat Steelers, 41-38 (OT), Oct. 22, 2006

Notes: Teams haven’t played in Pittsburgh since 34-all tie in 2002. There’s been only one NFL tie since (Eagles 13, Bengals 13 in 2008). Falcons coach Mike Smith is 2-0 in openers; Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 3-0. Falcons coming off first consecutive winning seasons in franchise history. Falcons QB Matt Ryan has thrown for 6,356 yards in first two NFL seasons. Steelers have won seven consecutive openers, the NFL’s longest current streak. They have won their last seven home openers. Hines Ward needs five catches to become 12th NFL player with 900 receptions. Ward had 139 yards and 171 yards in last two games against Atlanta. Steelers own NFL’s best home record since the 1970 merger (222-85-1, .722) and are tied with Miami for the best overall record (372-242-2). Steelers were 6-2 at Heinz Field last season, losing to Bengals and Raiders.

Associated Press