Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Preview, prediction and odds
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Atlanta Falcons in Thursday Night Football. Read our in-depth preview.
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Preview for Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 15 clash with the Atlanta Falcons arrives at a critical moment in the NFC South race. The Buccaneers come in at 7-6, tied with the Carolina Panthers at the top of the division after their Week 14 bye.
That makes Thursday’s home game far more consequential than it appeared a month ago. A defeat would not only damage Tampa Bay’s hold on the division lead but could also complicate their postseason positioning with only three games remaining.
The Buccaneers’ recent form is a major concern. Since their Week 10 bye, they have dropped four of five and have struggled to generate any consistent momentum on either side of the ball.
Their issues at Raymond James Stadium have been even more concerning; Tampa Bay have repeatedly found themselves chasing contests late. Baker Mayfield has been productive statistically, but the offense has lacked rhythm, leaning heavily on explosive plays or late-game scrambles to stay competitive.
Atlanta arrives with problems of its own. The Falcons were comfortably beaten by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14, extending a difficult stretch in which the team has struggled to find balance on offense.
The shift from Michael Penix Jr. to Kirk Cousins, forced by Penix’s season-ending injury, has yet to produce the uptick Atlanta hoped for.
Cousins has been serviceable, delivering efficient stretches in recent games, but the offense has been inconsistent, and the Falcons have lacked sustained drives at key moments. Defensively, Atlanta has had difficulty limiting big plays, an issue that surfaced again in the defeat to the Seahawks.
Despite their struggles, the Falcons can still threaten Tampa Bay. Bijan Robinson remains their central weapon, capable of altering games both on the ground and as a receiver. He has already crossed 1,000 rushing yards and continues to be Atlanta’s most reliable source of chunk yardage.
The Falcons will likely lean heavily on him to keep Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s offense off the field.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, will hope their improving health on offence can translate into sharper execution. Rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka has emerged as the breakout star of their passing game, leading all Tampa pass catchers and proving a constant threat after the catch.
He punished Atlanta in Week 1 with two touchdowns, and his recent performances suggest he will again play a central role on Thursday.
Prediction for Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta outgained Tampa Bay by a considerable margin when these teams met in Week 1, yet still failed to convert that control into a victory.
Cousins now leads the Falcons into Tampa seeking a different result, though Atlanta’s mounting injury problems create a difficult backdrop.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, are regaining several key offensive contributors, giving the Buccaneers a more balanced look than they have shown in recent weeks.
A competitive game is likely, but Tampa Bay holds the slight advantage at home and should be positioned to edge a narrow Thursday night win.
How to watch Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers vs Falcons will kick off at 8:15 pm ET on Thursday, December 11, from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The game will be broadcast exclusively on Prime Video, with local markets also able to stream via Fubo.
International viewers can watch the matchup through NFL Game Pass on DAZN, which provides access to regular-season games, playoff coverage, the Super Bowl, NFL Network and NFL RedZone.
Those in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports NFL and on NOW TV.
Best betting offers for Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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