The Atlanta Falcons are clinging to the final wild card spot in the NFC, and any loss could put their chance at defending their NFC title in question down the stretch. Atlanta could be a dangerous team come playoff time but it has to get there first. A win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15 would be another step forward toward clinching a spot.
The Falcons are still in a three-way race for the NFC South championship with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, so these last three weeks are going to be wild to see how it all shakes out. The Bucs were hoping to be in that mix this season but have not played well and are simply playing out the string at this point.
Atlanta must hit the road for this contest but is a solid favorite to take care of business in Tampa Bay.
This contest in Week 15 of the regular season will go down Monday, December 18, 2017, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Falcons -6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +6
Over/Under 50
Odds Analysis
The Falcons are nearly touchdown favorites on the road, and the betting public is buying them, as nearly 78 percent of the action is on Atlanta to cover on “Monday Night Football.” The scoring total is one of the higher numbers of the week as each team has an offense that can be explosive.
The total has moved up a point recently and the “over” is still the more popular choice, with more than 63 percent of the bettors predicting a shootout that results in more than 50 points.
The Falcons are -270 favorites on the moneyline. The Buccaneers are getting the majority of the action there, as a home upset would pay out at a nice +222 figure.
Injury Report
Gerald McCoy — The Buccaneers’ star defensive tackle is dealing with a biceps injury and missed practice on Thursday. It seems unlikely he will play, although there has been no official word quite yet. The absence of McCoy would be a big blow, as the Buccaneers defense already seems like it will have its hands full and he is the best player on that side of the ball.
Adrian Clayborn — The Falcons defensive end has enjoyed a breakout year but is dealing with a hamstring issue. He didn’t practice on Thursday after apparently suffering the injury last time out. This is another injury to watch closely as Clayborn is one of Atlanta’s main pass-rushers.
Tevin Coleman — The Falcons running back is dealing with a concussion that has kept him out since Dec. 7. He doesn’t seem to have made much progress yet and his availability could be up in the air for this one. If Coleman can’t play, Devonta Freeman is expected to shoulder the majority of the load in the backfield for Atlanta.
Player To Watch
Jameis Winston — The Buccaneers’ best chance at hanging around in this matchup is a big game from their young quarterback. Winston has had an up and down season and has also missed a chunk of the year with a shoulder injury.
Winston has been solid the past two games. He completed 21-of-32 passes for 270 yards with two touchdowns against the Packers, and then followed that up with a 26-of-38 performance for 285 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions against the Lions.
The Bucs lost both games, and are hoping Winston can consistently move the team downfield while avoiding turnovers. The Falcons have a top-tier offense and Winston will need to bring his ‘A’ game in order to help his team keep up.
Free ATS Pick
The Falcons are going to have to play well in order to cover this spread. Atlanta is the better team and should win this game, but beware of a backdoor cover. Look for the Buccaneers to score a late touchdown which won’t affect the outcome but will help Tampa Bay lose by fewer than six points.
The “over” is the choice as this one should be an entertaining shootout.
NFL Odds: Falcons 27, Buccaneers 24
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