[8:25 PM] Falcons @ Buccaneers

Who will WIN this matchup?

Atlanta Falcons (5-3)

@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)

 

Current odds:

Atlanta Falcons: (-200)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (+170)

 

• ESPN simulations have Tampa Bay as XX% favorites to win the game.

• XX% of sports bets are currently on Atlanta to win as (TBD) favorites.

• The line for this game is Falcons by 4 points.

• The Atlanta Falcons may own the NFL’s top-ranked offense and reside on top of the NFC South, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their number with Jameis Winston under center. The former Heisman Trophy recipient will look to guide the Buccaneers to their second series sweep of the Falcons in as many seasons on Thursday night as the division rivals clash at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

• Julio Jones has amassed an NFC-best 859 yards and is averaging 20.0 yards per catch, but the electric wideout was hobbled by an ailing knee and finished with 29 yards receiving for the second time this season. While Jones is expected to play on Thursday, running back Tevin Coleman (hamstring) is listed as questionable after sitting out last week’s tilt versus the Packers. Devonta Freeman more than picked up the slack with a rushing and receiving touchdown last week and has 100-plus scrimmage yards in two of his last three contests, although he was limited to just 20 yards on 11 carries in the season-opening loss.

• While Tampa Bay’s passing game is pretty well defined, the backfield has remained in motion through most of the season due to injury. Jacquizz Rodgers filled in admirably for Doug Martin (hamstring) before sustaining a sprained foot versus the Raiders, perhaps opening the door for a three-man backfield of Antone Smith, Peyton Barber and Mike James. Linebacker Kwon Alexander recorded 14 tackles versus Oakland last week, his highest total since collecting 17 in the season opener at Atlanta.

• Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter is a former Atlanta offensive coordinator while defensive coordinator Mike Smith is a former coach of the Falcons.

• Atlanta’s Austin Hooper made five receptions for 41 yards on Sunday in place of fellow TE Jacob Tamme (shoulder), who has been ruled out versus Tampa Bay.

• The Buccaneers acquired a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2018 draft from Detroit for CB Johnthan Banks on Tuesday.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Atlanta Falcons

Confidence: 5/10

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