Take a break from delivering flying elbows and leg drops onto your fellow shoppers, stay home and relax with a little NFL Football. Our early slate of Sunday games begins with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) traveling to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on the Atlanta Falcons (6-4).
The game is being brought to life by the FOX network and its affiliates at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (-9.5)
O/U: 48.5
The History
The Bucs and Falcons have met up 47 times since 1977 with Tampa Bay holding a 24-23 advantage in the all time series.
Last season the two teams split their games with the Buccaneers winning 31-24 at the Georgia Dome and Atlanta winning 43-28 at Raymond James Stadium.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-6)
First off, here is the most important information you need for this one, even though I’m not sure it would have any real impact on the final result (but it might the final score). Quarterback Jameis Winston is still out with his shoulder issue so once again Fitzmas comes early as Ryan Fitzpatrick returns under center after leading the Bucs to 2-0 under his tenure.
Last week against the Miami Dolphins in a 30-20 victory, Fitzpatrick was 22 of 37 for 275 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his career streak of being awesome coming off the bench. Much like Brian Hoyer, Fitzpatrick can only seem to perform consistently when no one expects him to do jack shit.
With Fitzpatrick at QB, tight end O.J. Howard’s role in the offense has expanded. Against Miami he caught three passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. While Howard is getting more touches, DeSean Jackson is getting fewer. Fitzpatrick doesn’t have nearly the arm that Winston has or his ability to stretch the field. Still, Jackson is earning his money, catching two passes for 28 yards and a touchdown.
Doug Martin is still a no show in the run game. The Muscle Hamster has morphed into the Roided Out Sloth. Last Sunday he carried the ball 19 times for 38 yards and no touchdowns.
ATLANTA FALCONS (6-4)
If you were brave enough to draft Devonta Freeman on your fantasy team in spite of a new offensive coordinator and Telvin Coleman stealing carries and touchdowns, you are probably losing your fantasy league right now and already shopping for the used prom dress you’ll be wearing in your town square come January. Freeman is out again, still in the concussion protocol. Offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo is out with a hamstring.
Last Monday, the Falcons survived a shootout on the road against the Seattle Seahawks, winning 34-31. Matt Ryan didn’t win any fantasy leagues, but he was efficient, going 19 of 27 for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
The difference in the game was the Atlanta defense that forced two Russell Wilson turnovers that turned into touchdowns for the Falcons. It helped Atlanta build an early 21-7 lead that they had to battle for dear life to hold onto the rest of the way.
With Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor both out, it should have been a big game for Julio Jones, but he only caught five passes for 71 yards. Austin Hooper, who I expected to be open down the seam all night, caught two passes for minus-1 yards. Yes, I am a professional.
The running game didn’t have a lot of room to work with, gaining just 89 yards total. Coleman got the bulk of that with 20 carries for 43 yards and a touchdown. I expect him to have an easier path through the Bucs’ defense Sunday.
The Pick
The Falcons could have watched their season chase Georgie’s boat down the Derry drain a few weeks ago, but a couple of solid wins could finally put this team back on track. Fitzpatrick has held his own at quarterback for Tampa Bay, but that all ends this week. I’m not sold on Atlanta completely being a contender, but somebody’s got to make the Wild Card spots in the NFC. Maybe this gets them close. Falcons 27, Buccaneers 17
This week
Straight up: 1-2
Against the spread: 1-2
Last week
Straight up: 5-8
Against the spread: 4-9
Season
Straight up: 92-67
Against the spread: 79-79
To make a wager on any sport, go to the world famous Diamond Sportsbook by clicking here.
