Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Partner Authors Published: Sep 30 2024 15:24

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons both picked up impressive wins on Sunday, setting themselves up nicely for their huge AFC South showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday night.

The Bucs will be on top of the improving division as Week 5 kicks off after posting a fantastic 33-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday to move to 3-1 on the season.

The Falcons are playing their second straight divisional clash after a walk-off win over the New Orleans Saints thanks to a 58-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo. That lifted them to 2-2, setting up a spicy contest against the Bucs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons betting picks and predictions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +2.5 (-110)

The Bucs took a backward step in Week 3 when they lost 26-7 at home to the previously winless Denver Broncos, but they got the home fans back on their side at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday with an impressive success against the Eagles.

The result never looked in doubt after Todd Bowles' team raced into a 24-0 lead midway through the second quarter. They outgained the highly-touted Eagles 445 yards to 227.

An impressive aspect of the Bucs' 3-1 record is that none of the four teams they played has a losing record heading into Week 5, and they look capable of producing another positive result in Atlanta.

The Falcons have made some progress this season, but not yet the massive improvement many were expecting from their offense after the departure of former head coach Arthur Smith.

Now under the guidance of Raheem Morris, the Falcons certainly look a more functional squad overall, but they have not yet been able to cut loose offensively and average under 19 points per game.

Tight end Kyle Pitts remains an enigma and failed to make a catch against the Saints, meaning he has just 105 receiving yards through four games. Few would have expected Darnell Mooney to be the team's leading receiver but that is the case with Drake London limited to only 200 yards so far.

One common factor in the Falcons' games is that they have been close, with their two wins coming by one and two points. The spread for this game is more than that and the Bucs +2.5 looks the smart pick.

Mike Evans anytime touchdown (+160)

Buccaneers' wide receiver Mike Evans should be a happy man this week after becoming the team's all-time leading points scorer with his opening touchdown in the win over the Eagles.

The 31-year-old now has 97 career touchdowns, putting him 12th on the NFL's all-time list, and he looks worth backing to reach the end zone for a 98th time against the Falcons.

Evans scored twice in the Week 1 win over the Commanders and had a huge game against the Eagles, when he was targeted a massive 14 times by quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The Falcons had trouble guarding the Saints receivers on Sunday, as Chris Olave had eight receptions for 87 yards and Rashid Shaheed had another eight for 83 yards.

Atlanta has also surrendered 110 yards and a score to Rashee Rice of the Chiefs in Week 3, and DeVonta Smith reached the end zone against the Falcons for a depleted Eagles offense in the game before that.

Evans made six catches for first downs in the game against Philadelphia and could have more to celebrate on Thursday night.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons odds

Tampa Bay Buccaneers	+120 ML
Atlanta Falcons	-140 ML
Spread	Falcons -2.5
Total Points	O/U 43.5

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons player props

Anytime Touchdown

Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)	-125
Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)	+140
Drake London (Atlanta Falcons)	+150
Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)	+160
Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)	+160
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)	+175

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.