The Atlanta Falcons are finding success of late, and they will look to keep it going with a home game against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers this coming Sunday. Both teams are neck and neck for the worst record in the NFC South, so one will look a bit better come Monday morning. The Buccaneers and the Falcons are also tied to win the NFC title, both with paltry odds of +50000.
Whatever momentum the Bucs got in their Week 10 win over the Arizona Cardinals evaporated in Week 11, when they lost to the New Orleans Saints at home, 34-17. Once again, Jameis Winston’s propensity to throw the ball to the opposing team crippled Tampa Bay. Winston had 313 passing yards and two touchdowns, but also had four interceptions, while completing only 30 of 51 passes. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin struggled in the game due to the Saints’ double-teams, but in any given game, the duo is going to be a big threat. Winston is probably fighting for his job even though the Bucs wouldn’t say it, and if he does feel it, he should have the motivation to be more accurate with his passes. Evans and Godwin are two of the best receivers in the game today, and it’s up to Wilson how he’s going to get them the ball.
The Bucs, who are sixth in the NFL in total offense with 380.4 total yards per contest, have seen the totals go over in each of their last four road games.
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
The Falcons’ defense is breathing life into the team. Over their last three outings, the Falcons have managed to record a total of 13 sacks, four interceptions, and 25 hits on the quarterback. In their last game, the Falcons silenced the Carolina Panthers in a 29-3 road win. They picked Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen four times and sacked him five times.Considering Winston’s proneness to turnovers, the Falcons could have yet another big game defensively. On offense, Matt Ryan will look to carry the team with his ability to slice down the Bucs’ defense. Ryan had 311 passing yards and a touchdown in the win over Carolina. Also, running back Devonta Freeman, who missed the Carolina game with a foot injury, is said to be trending towards a return to action. If he’ll be unavailable again, Brian Hill will lead Atlanta’s rushing attack.
The Falcons are 3-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last five home games.
