Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Week 15 Predictions Favor Tampa Bay

Buccaneers vs. Falcons: In Week 15, the 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers return to the spotlight when they host the 4-9 Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. Despite being officially eliminated from playoff contention in Week 14, the Falcons will undoubtedly be eager to derail the Buccaneers’ chances of winning the NFC South for the seventh time in a row.

After the Bucs’ “weird” defeat to the Saints in Week 14, several analysts used the word “rebound” to characterize this game and the Bucs’ chances. The anticipated returns of Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, and Tristan Wirfs contributed to one expert’s prediction of a “get-right” game for Baker Mayfield in particular and the Bucs’ offense in general. After the Falcons were eliminated from the postseason chase last week, some are worried about their motivation—or lack thereof. (Mayfield wouldn’t agree.) According to one analyst, stopping Bijan Robinson’s huge plays will be crucial for the Bucs.

Most national analysts concur that the Buccaneers are 4.5-point favorites at home. What some of them believe will happen at Raymond James Stadium on Thursday night is as follows:

ESPN.com Eight out of eleven ESPN analysts made predictions, and they all chose the Bucs.

Pete Prisco says the pirates will have a celebration (CBSSports.com).

USA Today: Of the six forecasters who are selecting against the spread, four choose the home team.

Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes the Bucs have an advantage in one particular area and predicts this outcome:

“Tied with the Carolina Panthers for first place in the NFC South, the Buccaneers will play with urgency in this matchup at home. Chris Godwin is playing more snaps as he makes a recovery from a fibula injury, and fellow wideouts Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan could suit up for this contest.

“Even without Evans or McMillan, Tampa Bay wins this NFC South showdown by a touchdown, with Bucky Irving running through the Falcons’ 24th-ranked run defense.”