| Atlanta Falcons(4-9 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(7-6) | |||
| Game Details: Thursday, December 11, 8:15 p.m. ES | |||
| Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL | |||
| Where to Watch: Amazon Prime |
Week 15 Matchup
The NFL season is ending in three weeks, and Christmas is getting close with this NFC South divisional match-up between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is trying to keep its hold of the division, even with an injured squad at 7-6, while the Falcons are trying to end their disappointing 4-9 season on a positive note against a division rival.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | +4.5 | +190 | Over 44.5 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | -4.5 | -255 | Under 44.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Atlanta Falcons | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| 19.4 | Points Per Game | 23.0 |
| 206.4 | Passing Yards Per Game | 199.8 |
| 123.6 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 115.2 |
| 24.1 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 19.3 |
| 191.5.2 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 237.8 |
| 131.0 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 100.6 |
Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a mess this season, with season-ending injuries for star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. being the least of their issues. Atlanta has been struggling offensively with having 19.4 points per game, and struggling to score, and their defense has been collapsing throughout the season. With the front office and coaching potentially being in the hot seat, bettors should not even look at the Falcons’ direction due to their poor offensive play due to injuries. Atlanta has lost five of six games, and it looks worse for them as the season ends with them facing two top teams of the NFC in the Bucs and Rams.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been on a downward spiral with injuries, including injuries to Mike Evans and other crucial players. Tampa Bay, however, still has Baker Mayfield healthy and with the chemistry with the receivers, could have a solid game against the Falcons’ defense. While the Bucs lost four of their last five games, they have beaten the Falcons earlier this season, and could sweep them to end their season series.
Prediction
While the injuries are piling up for the Buccaneers, the Atlanta Falcons’ injuries and underachieving are getting worse, and could cost sports bettors on Thursday night. The Bucs have been the better team this season, due to solid coaching, even with a roster that is losing players left and right, while the Falcons are stuck in 2017 like Groundhog Day, with no progress and poor culture shifts and coaching. Vegas, while wrong about the lines, due to rivalry games, is right that the Bucs will win this game, in a potential slog of a match-up between two battered teams.
