The 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers head back into the prime-time spotlight in Week 15 as they welcome to the 4-9 Atlanta Falcons to town for a Thursday Night Football contest. The Falcons were officially eliminated from playoff contention in Week 14 but will surely be motivated to play spoiler to the Buccaneers’ hopes of capturing a fifth straight NFC South title. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
Multiple analysts used the word “rebound” to describe this game and the Bucs’ chances, following what one described as a “weird” Week 14 loss to the Saints. One expert predicted a “get-right” game for Baker Mayfield in particular and the Bucs’ offense in general, and the expected returns of Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan and Tristan Wirfs had something to do with that. Some are concerned about the Falcons’ motivation, or lack thereof, after they were eliminated from the playoff race last week. (Mayfield would disagree.) One expert believes the key for the Bucs will be eliminating any big plays by Bijan Robinson.
The Buccaneers are 4.5-point favorites at home and a majority of national analysts agree with that assessment. Here’s what some of them are predicting will occur on Thursday night at Raymond James Stadium:
ESPN.com – Eight of 11 ESPN experts have their picks in, and all of them went with the Bucs
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco predicts a party for the pirates
USA Today – Four of six prognosticators picking against the spread go with the home team
Bleacher Report – Picking against the spread, six of seven analysts still side with Tampa Bay
Pro Football Talk – Not only did Mike Florio and Chris Simms agree on the Bucs, but by the same score
Sports Illustrated – Among six members of the MMQB staff, only Connor Orr dissents with the Falcons
Sporting News – Vinnie Iyer believes the Bucs will win and cover the spread
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report thinks the Bucs’ have an advantage in one specific area, and sees it going down like this:
“Tied with the Carolina Panthers for first place in the NFC South, the Buccaneers will play with urgency in this matchup at home. Chris Godwin is playing more snaps as he makes a recovery from a fibula injury, and fellow wideouts Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan could suit up for this contest.
“Even without Evans or McMillan, Tampa Bay wins this NFC South showdown by a touchdown, with Bucky Irving running through the Falcons’ 24th-ranked run defense.”
