Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons betting tips and NFL predictions: Bucs can ground Falcons

Where to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

Sky Sports NFL & Main Event, 1.15am Thursday night

Best bet

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +1.5
1pt 10-11 general

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons predictions

NFL Week Five begins with what should be a cracking divisional game in the NFC South between the Buccaneers and the Falcons on Thursday night.

The Buccaneers impressed in their Week Four win over the Eagles to reach 3-1 for the season and they look worth taking with a small handicap start as they bid to remain on top of an improving and competitive division.

The Falcons played well in their own 22-21 win in Philadelphia in Week Two - although Tampa Bay beat the Eagles much more convincingly - and Atlanta also fought hard in a 22-17 Week Two loss against the Chiefs. 

However, the home team have questions to answer even after beating the Saints on Sunday as they didn't score an offensive touchdown and their six-point scores came via a muffed punt return and an interception return.

Their defence gave up 25 first downs and 366 total yards to New Orleans and at 2-2 Atlanta's season could still go either way.

The Buccaneers dominated against Philadelphia, with quarterback Baker Mayfield passing for 347 yards and two touchdowns, and the Bucs outgained the Eagles by 445 yards to 227.

The main worry for Tampa Bay heading into this game is their injury situation, with wide receiver Mike Evans (knee, calf) and safety Antoine Winfield (foot) among their key players dealing with issues, but the Falcons have issues too, and star running back Bijan Robinson is dealing with a hamstring problem. 

The Falcons' two wins this season have come by one point and two points, and taking the Bucs as handicap underdogs looks the smart move for what could be another close contest.

The lowdown

Venue Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas line Falcons -1.5
Points line 43.5

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