This season, teams anticipated to compete for the NFC South title will face off when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Atlanta Falcons in Thursday Night Football. The Buccaneers are coming off a commanding 33-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Falcons narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints, 26-24. Currently, the Bucs hold a record of 3-1, boasting a perfect 3-0 record within their conference, and are aiming to secure their fifth consecutive NFL playoff appearance. In contrast, the Falcons, with a record of 2-2 and a 2-0 conference performance including 1-0 in their division, have not made the playoffs since 2017. Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (knee/calf) had a limited practice on Tuesday, as did star Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (ankle) and receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (ankle). Fortunately, all three players were cleared from the injury report on Wednesday. The Buccaneers, however, will be without receivers Trey Palmer (concussion) and Jalen McMillan (hamstring).
Kicking off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 8:15 p.m. ET, the Falcons are currently favored by 1.5 points according to the latest odds for the Buccaneers vs. Falcons matchup. The over-under for the total points has been set at 43.5, after peaking at 44. The moneyline favors the Falcons at -128 (bet $128 to win $100), while the Buccaneers are listed as +108 underdogs. Before placing any bets on the Falcons vs. Buccaneers, it’s essential to check out the proven computer model’s NFL predictions and betting advice from SportsLine.
This model, which runs simulations of each NFL game 10,000 times, has generated over $7,000 in profit for $100 bettors on its top-rated NFL picks since launching. As it enters Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season, the model boasts an impressive record of 188-131 on top-rated NFL picks dating back to the 2017 season. It has also been successful with a 42-23 record on top-rated NFL picks since Week 7 of 2022.
Additionally, the model has ranked among the top 10 on NFLPickWatch for four of the past six years regarding straight-up NFL picks and has outperformed over 94% of CBS Sports Football Pick’em players in four instances during that timeframe. Followers of this model have seen substantial gains.
Currently, the model is focused on the upcoming Buccaneers vs. Falcons matchup and has finalized its predictions and picks. <a href="https://www.sportsline.com/insiders/buccaneers-vs-falcons-lines-picks-proven-nfl-model-reveals-selections-for-2024-week-5-thursday-night-football-matchup/#ttag=10032024_agg_cbssports_picks_football_nfl_model_BuccaneersFalcons" target="_blank"“`html
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons money line: Tampa Bay +108, Atlanta -128
- TB: The Buccaneers hold a 3-1 record against the spread this season.
- ATL: The Falcons have started the season with a 1-3 ATS record.
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons picks: Check the picks at SportsLine
Reasons to Support the Falcons
Atlanta’s offense is led by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Over four games, he has successfully completed 77 of 119 passes (64.7%) for a total of 864 yards and four touchdowns. Although he has thrown four interceptions, his passer rating stands at 83.5. Cousins’ standout performance occurred during the dramatic 22-21 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 16, where he orchestrated a comeback by completing 20 of 29 passes (69%) for 241 yards and two touchdowns.
Running back Bijan Robinson also contributes significantly to the offense. This season, the second-year player has rushed 55 times for 224 yards (averaging 4.1 yards per carry) and scored one touchdown. Additionally, he has made 15 receptions for 135 yards (an average of 9.0 yards), with a longest reception of 26 yards. Discover which team to choose here.
Reasons to Support the Buccaneers
This season, veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield has been exceptional. He boasts a completion rate of 70.5%, going 91-of-129 for 984 yards and eight touchdowns, with only two interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 106.9. Additionally, he has rushed for two touchdowns. In last Sunday’s victory over the Eagles, Mayfield completed 30 of 47 passes, totaling 347 yards and two touchdowns.
Contributing to the ground game is running back Bucky Irving. He has carried the ball 35 times for 203 yards (averaging 5.8 yards per carry) and one touchdown, including two explosive plays exceeding 20 yards, with a long of 32 yards. In the recent win against Philadelphia, he rushed 10 times for 49 yards and one touchdown. Check out which team to pick here.
How to Make Picks for Buccaneers vs. Falcons
SportsLine’s model favors the Over, estimating a total of 47 points. It also
Thursday Night Showdown: Buccaneers vs. Falcons in NFC South Clash
Overview of the Matchup
The upcoming Thursday Night Football game features a thrilling NFC South battle between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons. Scheduled for October 4, 2024, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, this matchup promises to be a pivotal moment in the NFL season for both teams. As part of Week 5, fans can expect an electrifying showdown that will shape the direction of their respective seasons.
Current Team Form
Before diving into the details of the matchup, let’s take a closer look at the current form of both teams as they prepare for this important clash.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Record: 3 wins, 1 loss
- Last Game: Victory over the Carolina Panthers
- Key Players:
- Quarterback: Baker Mayfield
- Wide Receiver: Mike Evans
- Running Back: Rachaad White
- Strengths: Strong offensive line and versatile passing game
Atlanta Falcons
- Record: 2 wins, 2 losses
- Last Game: Loss to the New Orleans Saints
- Key Players:
- Quarterback: Desmond Ridder
- Wide Receiver: Drake London
- Running Back: Bijan Robinson
- Strengths: Strong rushing attack and solid defensive line
Head-to-Head History
In recent years, the rivalry between the Buccaneers and Falcons has been fierce. Let’s look at their last five encounters:
| Date | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 30 – 27 |
| Dec 2023 | Atlanta Falcons | 23 – 21 |
| Sept 2023 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 28 – 14 |
| Jan 2023 | Atlanta Falcons | 31 – 24 |
| Dec 2022 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 27 – 20 |
Key Matchup: Offense vs. Defense
The battle between the Buccaneers’ potent offense and the Falcons’ stout defense will be crucial in determining the outcome of this game.
Buccaneers’ Offensive Strategy
The Buccaneers’ offense has been firing on all cylinders. With Baker Mayfield at the helm, Tampa Bay has showcased a balanced attack featuring a mix of running and passing plays. Key aspects include:
- Versatile Play Calling: Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales has implemented a system that allows for flexibility and adaptability.
- Utilization of Playmakers: The Buccaneers are effectively using their talented roster, including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Falcons’ Defensive Strengths
The Falcons’ defense, led by linebacker Grady Jarrett, has been a source of pride. Their strengths include:
- Strong Defensive Line: Capable of pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run.
- Secondary Play: Young talent in the secondary has improved, increasing their ability to defend against the pass.
Injury Report
Injuries can significantly impact game outcomes. Here are the latest updates on key players for both teams:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Mike Evans – questionable (hamstring)
- Rachaad White – probable (ankle)
Atlanta Falcons
- Bijan Robinson – probable (shoulder)
- Drake London – questionable (knee)
Game Prediction
As we approach the kickoff, analysts are divided on who will take home the victory. Factors to consider include:
- Recent form and momentum
- Home-field advantage for the Falcons
- Player availability due to injuries
While the Buccaneers come in with a stronger record, the Falcons will be looking to leverage their home advantage and bounce back from their last loss.
Viewing Experience
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in via the following options:
- Network: Amazon Prime Video
- Stream: Available on platforms like Hulu and FuboTV
Benefits of Attending the Game
Attending a live NFL game offers numerous benefits:
- Atmosphere: The energy of the stadium is unmatched.
- Fan Interaction: Connecting with fellow fans enhances the experience.
- Memorable Moments: Witnessing pivotal plays live creates lasting memories.
Practical Tips for Fans
To make the most of your game day experience, consider these practical tips:
- Arrive early to avoid traffic and enjoy pre-game festivities.
- Wear team colors to show your support.
- Stay hydrated and plan for the weather.
Final Thoughts
This Thursday Night Football matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons is set to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams will be vying for supremacy in the NFC South, making it a must-watch for football fans. Don’t miss the action as these two rivals clash in what promises to be an unforgettable game.
