A pair of NFC South teams will hook up on Sunday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the road at the Atlanta Falcons. This is a huge game for the divisional standings. The Buccaneers are 5-7 on the season, and 2nd in the division. The Buccaneers can tie for the top of the division, but a loss would put them essentially three games back since the Falcons won the first battle between these two teams. Tampa Bay is coming off a home win over Carolina last week.
The Atlanta Falcons are 6-6 on the season. Atlanta has won back to back games. Last week, the Falcons went on the road and beat the New York Jets. The Falcons lead the division; the same division that saw the winner go 8-9 last season. The Atlanta Falcons are small favorites in this game. The Falcons are listed at -1 over the Buccaneers. The total for this game is set at 40.5 points.
Mayfield Continuing to Grind Throw
Baker Mayfield has been beat up, but is still getting through a tough 2023 season. His numbers do not tell the whole story. His toughness is what has led the Buccaneers to be in the race heading into Week 14. The signal caller has 2,790 yards passing, with 18 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
His connection with Mike Evans has been a blessing, as Evans has gone over 1,000 yards receiving again this season. Evans also is leading with 10 touchdowns. Next on the team is Rachaad White, with his five touchdowns on the ground.
Tampa Bay is starting their first of back to back road games. Next week, the Buccaneers are at Green Bay. After that, Tampa Bay will host the Jaguars and Saints in back to back weeks. In Week 18, the Buccaneers are at the Carolina Panthers.
Falcons Leaders in Division
The Atlanta Falcons have had plenty of issues this season, but somehow, someway, they are 6-6 and leading the NFC South. The Falcons are using rookie running back Bijan Robinson more and more. The former Texas star has 756 yards on the ground, but just three rushing touchdowns.
Desmond Ridder is back as the starting quarterback. Ridder started the season, but then was benched in favor of Taylor Heiniecke, but is back under center. Defense is where the Falcons lay their claim. Atlanta ranks 7th in all of the National Football League, allowing just 20 points per game.
The Falcons are at Carolina next week, before hosting the Colts on Christmas Eve. The final two games for Atlanta are on the road. The Falcons are at the Chicago Bears on December 31st, and New Orleans on January 7th.
Tampa Wins Must Win Game
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers know they have to go on the road and win this game. It is their only hope of staying alive in the divisional race. If they lose, and go three games back with four to go, they are not going to be able to make up that ground.
But, a win, and a tie, with possibly New Orleans joining them sounds like what the NFC South is all about. Tampa Bay goes on the road and wins this game. Take the Buccaneers +1 over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday!
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