Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Preview, prediction and odds
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Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Preview, prediction and odds
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Week 15 clash with the Atlanta Falcons arrives at a critical moment in the NFC South race. The Buccaneers come in at 7-6, tied with the Carolina Panthers at the top of the division after their Week 14 bye. That makes Thursday's home game far more consequential than it appeared a month ago. A defeat would not only damage Tampa Bay's hold on the division lead but could also complicate their postseason positioning with only three games remaining."
"The Buccaneers' recent form is a major concern. Since their Week 10 bye, they have dropped four of five and have struggled to generate any consistent momentum on either side of the ball. Their issues at Raymond James Stadium have been even more concerning; Tampa Bay have repeatedly found themselves chasing contests late. Baker Mayfield has been productive statistically, but the offense has lacked rhythm, leaning heavily on explosive plays or late-game scrambles to stay competitive."
"The shift from Michael Penix Jr. to Kirk Cousins, forced by Penix's season-ending injury, has yet to produce the uptick Atlanta hoped for. Cousins has been serviceable, delivering efficient stretches in recent games, but the offense has been inconsistent, and the Falcons have lacked sustained drives at key moments. Defensively, Atlanta has had difficulty limiting big plays, an issue that surfaced again in the defeat to the Seahawks."
The Buccaneers enter Week 15 at 7-6, tied atop the NFC South, placing significant importance on the upcoming home game for division control and playoff positioning with three games left. Tampa Bay has dropped four of five since the Week 10 bye, struggling to generate consistent momentum on offense and defense and frequently finding itself trailing late at Raymond James Stadium. Baker Mayfield has produced useful statistics, but the offense lacks rhythm and depends on explosive plays or late-game improvisation. The Falcons arrive after a heavy loss to Seattle, with the switch to Kirk Cousins not yet producing reliable offensive balance. Bijan Robinson, with over 1,000 rushing yards, remains Atlanta's primary game-altering weapon and will be a central focus to control the clock.
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