Buccaneers (5-7) at Falcons (6-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MercedesBenz Stadium, Atlanta
TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Falcons by 2.5
Buccaneers’ keys to victory:
Tampa Bay must slow down Atlanta’s running game, even if that means giving up a few big plays here and there. The Falcons have struggled to consistently utilize their weapons and they will struggle to move the ball if forced to rely on their passing game. Offensively, the Buccaneers need to show more balance and commit to establishing the run. In Week 7, Tampa Bay passed the ball 42 times and finished with just 20 rushing attempts in a loss to Atlanta. If the Bucs don’t switch things up this time around, Falcons safety Jessie Bates III could have another big day.
Falcons’ keys to victory: Feeding RB Bijan Robinson is a proven formula for success and that’s what the Falcons need to do in Week 14. Robinson was limited when these two teams last met due to a headache, but he’s been a difference-maker in nearly every game. Defensively, Atlanta needs to put pressure on QB Baker Mayfield to stop Tampa Bay’s playmakers on the outside.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Falcons CB A.J. Terrell. Evans is having another incredible season and he’s consistently been a problem for the Falcons throughout his career. Terrell will likely be matched up with Evans for much of the afternoon. If Terrell can’t play, Jeff Okudah will be forced to step up as the team’s No. 2 cornerback.
Who wins? The Falcons are 4-2 at home this season and the Buccaneers are 2-4 on the road. Atlanta seems to have the momentum to complete the season series sweep.
Falcons, 17-14