1. Game Overview
A pivotal NFC South divisional matchup is set for Thursday, December 11, as the Atlanta Falcons travel to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams are looking to reverse recent cold streaks and gain ground in the division. The game will take place in Tampa Bay with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 PM EST. This Thursday Night Football contest will be broadcast on Prime Video.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Atlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons enter this contest as one of the “coldest teams in the NFL,” according to recent analysis. Led by second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the offense has struggled with consistency. A recent 34-10 loss to the Dolphins was described as a “deeply embarrassing game,” highlighting the team’s current challenges. Earlier in the season, the Falcons lost a close Week 1 matchup to these same Buccaneers, 23-20, where a fourth-quarter comeback attempt fell short. Atlanta will need a much more complete performance to secure a crucial road win against their rival.
Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also in a slump, holding a record of just 1-4 in their last five games. However, their struggles have not been due to a lack of offense. The team has averaged an impressive 32.4 points per game over that same five-game stretch, suggesting significant defensive issues are the primary cause for their losses. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has shown the ability to lead high-scoring efforts, including a “nearly flawless” performance in a 38-35 Week 5 victory over Seattle. The Buccaneers will rely on their potent offense to outpace the Falcons and defend their home turf.
3. Injury Report
Both teams are monitoring key players ahead of this divisional game.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there is positive news as wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan returned to practice earlier in the month (December 3) and could be available for this matchup. Their presence would provide a significant boost to the offense. Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has dealt with hamstring, hip, and groin injuries this season, and his status remains a situation to watch.
For the Atlanta Falcons, the provided search results did not specify any key players on the injury report for this Week 15 game.
4. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Spread: Buccaneers -4.5
- Total (Over/Under): 44.5
- Moneyline: Not Provided
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favored to win by 4.5 points. This means for a bet on the Buccaneers to win, they must defeat the Falcons by 5 points or more. A bet on the Falcons will win if they either win the game outright or lose by 4 points or fewer. The game total is set at 44.5 points, meaning bettors can wager on whether the combined final score of both teams will be over or under that number.
5. Prediction
This game features two struggling teams desperate for a divisional win. The Buccaneers have demonstrated a high-powered offense recently, even in their losses, while the Falcons’ offense has been inconsistent. The first meeting between these rivals was decided by only three points, and another close game is likely.
The key factor could be the health of Tampa Bay’s receiving corps. The potential return of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan gives Baker Mayfield a full complement of weapons against a Falcons team that has shown vulnerability. While Tampa Bay’s defense is a major concern and has allowed opponents to stay in games, their offense has enough firepower to secure a win at home. However, given the nature of this rivalry and the Bucs’ defensive liabilities, the Falcons should be able to keep the score within the spread.
Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Falcons 24
Sources:
Falcons vs. Buccaneers Results | The Football Database
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: A look at the series history going into 2024 …
Buccaneers–Falcons rivalry – Wikipedia
Buccaneers-Falcons: Top Storylines & Key Matchups in Week One …
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Head To Head, history …
Falcons Vs Bucs Score History Last 10 Years | StatMuse
Falcons regain control of NFC South lead after Buccaneers’ loss
Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers History
Inside Falcons’ Week 1 loss to Buccaneers
Falcons vs. Buccaneers Injury Report – Week 5, 2024 | FOX Sports