A pivotal NFC South battle between the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) kicks off Week 5 of the NFL Schedule on Thursday Night.
The Buccaneers currently sit atop the division having won 3 of their 1st 4 games. Baker Mayfield continues to be a revelation in Tampa. He has led the Bucs to convincing wins over Washington, Detroit, and Philadelphia and a head-scratcher of a blowout loss in Week 3 at home to Bo Nix and the Broncos. For their part, Kirk Cousins and the Falcons are 2-2 but could arguably be 0-4 or 4-0 just as easily as each of their games has been a one-score game with wins over the Eagles (1 point) and the Saints (2 points) and losses to the Steelers (8 points) and the Chiefs (5 points). One of these trends has to be snapped.
This rivalry has been competitive over the years with the Buccaneers winning 31 of the 61 games. The Falcons have won 2 of the last 3 though.
Lets dive into the numbers and see if we can find a few sweats.
NBC Sports has all the latest info and analysis you need, including how to tune in for kickoff, odds from DraftKings, player news and updates, and of course our predictions and best bets for the game from our staff of experts.
Listen to the Bet the Edge podcast as hosts Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick provide listeners with sharp actionable insight, market analysis and statistical data to help bettors gain more information before placing their wagers. So, whether you’re targeting spreads and totals, looking for value in futures markets or circling player props, give their podcast a listen to give you that extra edge.
Game Details and How to watch Buccaneers vs. Falcons
- Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
- Time: 8:20PM EST
- Site: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- City: Atlanta, GA
- TV/Streaming: Amazon PV
Want to check out the other games on the NFL schedule this week? We’ve got you covered right here on NBC Sports with all the matchup, venue, game-time and TV/streaming info so you won’t miss any of the action!
Game odds for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
The latest odds as of Thursday morning courtesy of DraftKings:
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+105), Atlanta Falcons (-125)
- Spread: Falcons -1.5 (-110)
- Total: 43.5
This line has not moved since Tuesday. The game opened at Falcons -2.5 juiced to Atlanta but has done an about face and dropped a full point while the Total has crept up ½ point.
NBC Sports Bet Best Bets
NBC Sports Betting Analyst Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) is expecting points in this game.
“I’ve been burned before on Thursday Night Football, but I am going back to the well here expecting a high-scoring, fun contest between these two offenses. Both pass offenses show huge advantages for me in this one. So, expecting some points, I’ll play over 43½.”
Buccaneers vs. Falcons team stats, betting trends
- Tampa is 3-1 ATS through the season’s 1st 4 weeks
- Atlanta is 1-3 ATS through the season’s 1st 4 weeks
- Falcons’ RB Bijan Robinson has gained 224 yards rushing (55 carries) and 135 yards receiving (15 receptions)
- Bucs’ rookie RB Bucky Irving has carried the ball 35 times for 203 yards and 1 TD
- The Buccaneers have won on four of their last five visits to Atlanta
- Three of the Falcons’ four games this season have gone UNDER the expected points Total
Quarterback matchup for Buccaneers vs. Falcons
- Tampa Bay: Baker Mayfield – Has thrown for 984 yards including 8 TDs. Overall, completing 70.5% of his passes. Has thrown 2 INTs.
- Atlanta: Kirk Cousins – Veteran is completing 64.7% of his passes for 864 yards including 4 TDs. Has also thrown 4 INTs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons player news and injury updates
- Bucs’ S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) has been ruled OUT for Thursday’s game.
- Bucs’ WR Jalen McMillan (hamstring) has been ruled OUT for Thursday’s game.
- Bucs’ DT Calijah Kancey (calf) has been ruled OUT for Thursday’s game.
- Bucs’ RT Luke Goedeke (concussion) has been ruled OUT for Thursday’s game.
- Falcons’ RT Caleb McGary has been cleared to play in Thursday’s game.
- Falcons’ RB Bijan Robinson (hamstring) has been cleared to play in Thursday’s game.
- Falcons’ LB Troy Andersen (knee) has been ruled OUT for Thursday’s game.
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest betting info & tools for NFL with game predictions, player props, futures, and trends!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)