An NFC South clash kicks off NFL Week 15 as the Atlanta Falcons visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on ‘Thursday Night Football.’ Both teams face struggles, with Atlanta losing seven of their last eight and Tampa dropping three out of four.
The Falcons come off a wrecking 37-9 loss to Seattle, eliminating them from playoff considerations, while the Buccaneers were upset by New Orleans, losing 24-20 on Sunday. Historically, this rivalry is tight, with both teams splitting their 64 meetings evenly at 32-32.
Mike Evans (collarbone) is active for Tampa, while Cade Otton is inactive. For Atlanta, Kyle Pitts (knee) and rookie Jalon Walker (quad) are both active, having been limited in practice through the week.
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay previously beat Atlanta 23-20 in their Week 1 match. According to latest odds, Tampa Bay is favored by 5.5 points, with an over/under of 43.5 points. Throughout this analysis, Hartstein emphasizes critical insights into both teams’ standings, particularly regarding their recent performances and injury impacts.
For those interested in betting insights, here are some odds and propositions:
| Matchup | Betting Lines |
|---|---|
| Spread | Tampa -5.5 at DraftKings |
| Over/Under | 43.5 points |
| Money Line | Buccaneers -275, Falcons +223 |
| Streaming | Amazon Prime |
Why Atlanta Can Cover
The Falcons had successfully covered in their last three trips to Tampa and are 5-2 against the spread (ATS) in their past seven matchups against these rivals. Tampa has struggled at home, managing only one cover in six attempts this season. Their recent ability to generate pressure with an average of 4.5 sacks across their last six games could benefit Atlanta, particularly against Baker Mayfield, who struggles when faced with consistent pressure.
Why Tampa Bay Can Cover
Tampa Bay’s defense is adept at limiting Atlanta’s ground game, having ranked as the No. 8 rush defense. Evans is set to play, yet Atlanta’s offense could be hindered by the absence of key players like Drake London (knee), crippling their rhythm even further.
Expert Picks
Hartstein has expressed a preference for the under, reflecting his analysis of the teams and the probable X-factors influencing this game. To find out more details on his predictions, visit SportsLine and see his picks and expert insights.
