The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense of the NFC South will begin right away in Week 1 when they travel north to take on the Atlanta Falcons. While both have added to their defenses, however, they may not have the most enjoyable afternoon.
My Buccaneers vs. Falcons predictions will side with two explosive offenses, giving a slight nod to the defending champions in the division with their complete offensive profile.
Read below for my free NFL picks for Sunday, September 7.
Buccaneers vs Falcons predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Buccaneers vs Falcons spread pick: Buccaneers -2.5 (-105)
The Atlanta Falcons struggled mightily to get to the quarterback a season ago, ranking among the worst in the league in just about every metric.
They brought in Leonard Floyd after a down year, hoping to inject some life into the former standout edge, but they’ll be running out the same young group hoping for better results as their core develops.
That’s going to make life pretty difficult against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team which finished on a high note, taking the NFC South behind a menacing offense.
Their offensive line looks like one of the best in football with Tristan Wirfs continuing to ascend into stardom, and Baker Mayfield is also coming off an excellent season by the passing grades – particularly on short throws.
With Bucky Irving making huge gains in the backfield, too, this is a very balanced offense which shouldn’t be bothered much by a flat Falcons defense.
Atlanta’s got plenty of talent on the other side of the ball, and Tampa Bay has similarly struggled to get to the passer, but there is a clear gap between the two when it comes to moving the ball. The Buccaneers are the better team.
Early Buccaneers vs Falcons total pick: Over 47.5 (-110)
It’s never fun to play an Over quite this high, but I see no other option here. Both offensive lines look like top-five units, and neither team has done enough to beef up their pass rush.
Haason Reddick has arrived to help, but after a poor season it’s unlikely he can lift this group up enough.
While Tampa Bay should have the better of the two secondaries, perhaps giving it the edge it needs here, the Falcons showed last season they can move the ball incredibly well on the ground and young Michael Penix Jr. has gotten the ball to his talented skill position players in space on short passes which could easily wreak havoc on this Buccaneers defense – especially on the road in Atlanta.
This game should deliver us fireworks and emerge as Week 1’s most captivating game.
I expect the Bucs’ offense to remain dangerous while an explosive Falcons unit gets even better now that Penix has gone through an entire camp with the first unit.
Buccaneers vs Falcons odds
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons spread: Falcons +2.5
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons moneyline: Buccaneers -134, Falcons +114
- Buccaneers vs. Falcons Over/Under: 46.5
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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