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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons

The last time the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons met, the Bucs lost in heartbreaking fashion as the game was nearly over before the play was not called, ultimately giving the Falcons the ball back with enough amount of time to win from a breakaway. landing. The Falcons doubled their offensive output that day, and the Bucs’ offense wasn’t quite what we’re used to.

Things are different now and both teams have been reeling a bit with injuries. The Falcons currently sit in first place in the NFC South standings, but with a win on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could take control of the division with a couple of tough games ahead of their bye week.

The Buccaneers play in this match for Chris Godwin, who was lost for the season last week with a sprained ankle and will celebrate his history by donning a cream-colored uniform on Sunday afternoon. Here’s how our BucsGameday staff sees the matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons going.

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This game has lost some of its luster due to the Buccaneers losing two of their best players on the offensive side of the ball in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, but it’s still pretty much one of those must-win games because ” Atlanta currently leads the NFC. South. If they win, the Bucs can reclaim that crown, but they’ll have to do so while losing a ton of key players.

Atlanta is also dealing with its own injuries and won’t be at full strength for this matchup as many of those injuries are on the defensive side of the ball, possibly exacerbating an already below-average situation.

I originally picked the Falcons to play this game on Listen to the Cannons podcastbut the events on the Atlanta front, coupled with the reminder that this Bucs team embraces adversity and is a resilient team, makes me want to host the Buccaneers at home on Cream Day.

Projected record for 2024 season: 2–4

Buccaneers 24, Falcons 21

I really have no right to pick Tampa Bay here, and my track record is bad enough – the Bucs are losing two offensive playmakers and have a weak defense that seems to be getting worse every week. It’s getting closer to the Falcons, but I think combined with the fact that the Bucs know it’s a do-or-die game for Tampa Bay, I’m being too cocky. The Bucs are finding their way on offense with an unpredictable game plan and keeping their NFC South hopes alive – for now.

Projected record for 2024 season: 2–4

Buccaneers 23, Falcons 21

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There’s no sugarcoating it – losing Chris Godwin and Mike Evans hurts. Especially against a team like the Falcons, who have shown they can move the ball down the field. The last time these two met, Atlanta won in overtime by 36 points.

What the Bucs can’t do is let this turn into a shootout. Time management will be key and getting into the game early will be critical. Moving into larger roles, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer and Sterling Shepard must rise to the challenge when they are targeted in the passing game. Cade Otton will also have to play a bigger role this week as well as the pass-catching running backs in the backfield.

The Falcons are currently the third-worst team in third down conversion rate, which allows teams to consistently convert first downs. Finishing third and being manageable will be critical for the Bucs in extending the trip. Defending the box desperately needs to control the middle of the field, something they didn’t do the last time these two teams played. If they can do that and confuse Kirk Cousins ​​early by forcing turnovers (he’s thrown seven interceptions this year and had seven more turnover-worthy plays, per PFF), they have a good chance of overcoming the disappointment and winning at home on cream of the crop day. .

Projected record for 2024 season: 3–3

Pirates 20, Falcons 17

After a very successful start to the 2024-25 NFL season, everything came crashing down for the Bucs on Monday night against the Ravens. Not only did the Bucs lose the game, but they also lost two of their best hitters and Chris Godwin was lost for the season.

With Todd Bowles’ defense struggling the last three weeks, I don’t think the offense will have enough firepower to pick up the slack without Godwin and Evans in the lineup.

Projected record for 2024 season: 3–3

Falcons 27, Pirates 21

READ MORE: MRI results confirm Pirates star Mike Evans’ injury

Tampa Bay’s injuries will be too much for their offense to overcome when they take on the Falcons again. Both teams put on a fun match in their first matchup and this should be another close game with Atlanta getting a late win.

Projected record for 2024 season: 3–2 *Excluding Ravens game*

Falcons 31, Buccaneers 23

Injuries have been a problem all year, but the two most serious ones, to receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, proved too serious. I want to consider the possibility of this “against all odds” game of “revenge” for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, but I just don’t see it happening.

Predicted record for 2024 season: 4–2

Falcons 27, Buccaneers 17

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a loss in which they also lost Chris Godwin to a season-ending injury and Mike Evans for an extended period of time. The year is quickly turning in the wrong direction for the three-time defending NFC South champions.

That’s why Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons could be the Buccaneers’ biggest game of the season. The stakes are even higher considering Tampa Bay lost in Atlanta a few weeks ago. Baker Mayfield and his team really need a win.

Unfortunately, I think injuries on offense and struggles on defense will make it difficult to win. I have the Falcons doing it at Raymond James Stadium.

Projected record for 2024 season: 3–3

Falcons 24, Pirates 20

CONSENSUS: Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

**All entries do not include the Saints game due to Hurricane Milton**

Stick to it BooksGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers through the 2024 season.

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