The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to Atlanta for an NFC showdown on Thursday Night.
The Buccaneers have started strong this season, while the Atlanta Falcons have impressed in close matchups, including two come-from-behind wins against in-conference teams.
Buccaneers vs. Falcons Odds, Spread, and Total
Odds via BetOnline.ag
- Spread: Falcons -2 | Buccaneers +2
- Moneyline: Falcons -135 | Buccaneers +114
- Total: 43.5
How to Watch Buccaneers vs. Falcons
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 26
- Time: 8:15 EST
- Venue: Mercedes Benz Stadium
- TV: Amazon Prime
Analysis
Team Records
- Buccaneers Record: 3-1
- Falcons Record: 2-2
Buccaneers vs. Falcons Analysis
The Buccaneers have started hot with a 3-1 record, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who’s completed 70% of his passes (ranking seventh among starters) and has a 108 passer rating (eighth-best in the league).
The team is averaging 24.3 points per game (10th in the league) while allowing just 19.5 points per game (11th).
The Falcons, meanwhile, are 2-2 but have shown potential. They’ve allowed only 18.8 points per game, while their offense has managed 21.3 points per game. Although Kirk Cousins is leading the Falcons and has completed 64.7% of his passes, he’s only thrown four touchdowns so far but has managed to lead Atlanta to two comeback wins.
The key to this game could be how the Falcons’ defense handles Mayfield, who has taken 15 sacks this season. The Falcons are the healthier team heading into Thursday night’s game, which might give them a slight advantage.
The Falcons have been strong at limiting wide receivers this season, allowing just 132 yards per game and three total touchdowns to receivers. However, they’ve allowed the third-most catches (28) to receivers in the slot, where Godwin has run 65% of his routes this season.
Chris Godwin leads the team with 33 targets, 28 receptions, and an 81.8% catch rate, ranking 13th in the NFL for first-read rate (33.7%). His 28 catches are also the third-most in the league this season. It might be worthwhile to keep an eye on Godwin’s catches and yards props for Thursday night.
Bijan Robinson is still sharing carries with Tyler Allgeier, he could be impactful in the passing game. The Buccaneers have been solid against the run, allowing an average of just 88 yards per game to opposing running backs, but they have struggled against receiving backs, giving up the second-most catches (26) and receiving yards (243) this season. Robinson has averaged four targets and 34 receiving yards per game, making him a player to watch.
Prediction: This game is expected to be close. Three out of the Falcons' four games have gone under the listed total, and their victories were by narrow 1-2 point margins. Following the trend of low-scoring Thursday Night games, this one could be low-scoring as well.
A sprinkle on the Buccaneers' moneyline could represent value in what could be a close matchup.
Buccaneers vs. Falcons Betting Trends
- These teams have met four times in the last three seasons, with a 2-2 record.
- Against the Spread (ATS): Atlanta is 3-1 in those matchups.
- The Falcons are 1-2 at home this season, while the Bucs are 1-0 on the road.
- Both teams have been strong in conference games, with Atlanta at 2-0 and Tampa Bay at 3-0.
- ATS this season: Atlanta is 1-3, and Tampa Bay is 3-1.
- Thursday Night Football Records: Kirk Cousins is 4-6 in Thursday games, while Baker Mayfield is 2-1.
- Two out of three Thursday Night Football games have gone under this year.
Injury Report
Buccaneers:
- S Antoine Winfield Jr. (ankle) - Questionable
- WR Mike Evans (shoulder) - Questionable
- DL Calijah Kancey (calf) - Questionable
- T Luke Goedeke (concussion) - Questionable
Falcons:
- T Kaleb McGary (knee) - Doubtful
Key Players to Watch
- Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin
- Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
This NFC showdown will be an exciting Thursday Night Football game with both teams aiming to make their mark in the conference standings.