Falcons vs. Buccaneers: NFC South Betting Preview and Picks

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Buccaneers Rejoin an Unpredictable NFC South Race

The NFC South has changed dramatically over the last couple of weeks. The Buccaneers appeared to be out of contention, while the Panthers looked like they had the division wrapped up. After Carolina’s recent struggles, however, the door is wide open again.

Tampa Bay got Baker Mayfield back, but it did not need much from its passing game last week. Mayfield finished with fewer than 100 passing yards despite the Buccaneers scoring 40 points. Instead, Bucky Irving and Gainwell ran all over Carolina, and the Panthers’ defensive coordinator was subsequently fired.

That performance may offer Tampa Bay a path back on track. The Buccaneers were previously at their best when they consistently handed the ball to Irving, and his numbers could be the most appealing place to look again.

The division remains difficult to predict. Games involving the Falcons, Buccaneers, Saints and Panthers regularly seem to turn upside down, and the 2.5-point line reflects how close these matchups can be. The deciding factor may simply be which team possesses the ball last and has an opportunity to kick the winning field goal.

This matchup may be more appealing to bet live, allowing the flow of the game to become clear first. Since Michael Penix returned to the starting lineup, Atlanta has had the league’s highest-scoring offense at 24.4 points per game. That creates a matchup between the Falcons’ offense and Todd Bowles’ strong Buccaneers defense.

Bad weather across Florida could also affect the game and potentially give the defense a slight advantage. If the contest comes down to a final drive, taking the Falcons with the points may be the better lean because of their offense’s ability to execute.

With no Emeka Egbuka for this game and Chris Godwin having been underwhelming, Godwin could see more opportunities. His lower prop numbers may offer a potential over, while a Ted Hurst touchdown was also mentioned as a possible play because of his red-zone ability.

Recent Falcons-Buccaneers meetings support the expectation of another close finish. The cited results include 23-20 and 29-28 games last year, along with an overtime meeting and other margins of five, three and four points. This one could once again come down to the final possession.