The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to get back on track with a home game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football.
The Falcons are currently 4-9 and eliminated from playoff contention. It was another abysmal season for the Falcons, who ultimately lost their young quarterback midseason.
Meanwhile, the Falcons will face a Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that has lost four of its last five games. They’ve had a demanding schedule, but last week’s loss to the Saints proved that the Buccaneers aren’t exactly who we thought they were.
Either way, Tampa Bay is still fighting for the playoffs. The Falcons aren’t. Does that mean it’s a good idea to back the Buccaneers for our Thursday Night football bets?
Best Bets for Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Falcons and Buccaneers are both struggling to find much success right now. Both teams are currently 1-4 in their last five games. But ultimately, while the Falcons are out of the playoff picture, the Buccaneers aren’t.
Tampa Bay is getting healthy, and the Falcons won’t have Michael Penix Jr. anymore this season. Tampa Bay’s offense has scored more points per game. Analytically, the Buccaneers are far from good on offense.
But with a matchup against the Falcons’ defense, the Buccaneers should find success. After all, the Falcons have allowed more than 24 points per game this season.
Let’s discuss our best bets for tonight.
Thursday Night Odds (Buccaneers -4.5)
The Buccaneers opened as 5.5-point favorites. But bettors helped move that line down to -4.5.
It’s a divisional rivalry game between two struggling teams. While the Falcons have nothing to really play for, analytically, they match up well with the Buccaneers. But after being blown out by the Seahawks, 37-9, and a loss to the Jets earlier, it’s hard to even consider the Falcons.
In addition, the total is still hovering around 44.5 since opening.
Thursday Night Pick
The Atlanta Falcons have allowed 131 yards per game on the ground this season.
With Bucky Irving back on the field, the Buccaneers have three talented running backs and Baker Mayfield. Look for the Buccaneers to exploit the Falcons on the ground, which will eventually open up the passing game and allow players like Emeka Egbuka to start making plays.
Egbuka has struggled over the last couple of games. But he’s got to be excited to get back on the field for Thursday and regroup.
I’m backing the Bucs at -4.5.
Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving (Over 62.5 Rushing Yards -110)
Bucky Irving has rushed for at least 55 yards in both games since returning from injury. However, he hasn’t reached 63 yards. Ultimately, he’s earned about 50% of snaps per game. But that number could increase in game three of his return.
He’s had 15+ rushing attempts in both games and averaged 17.5 rushing attempts over his last ten games when healthy. He’s also averaged about four yards a carry in those previous ten games, dating back to last season.
While making his return, he’s only getting stronger. He’s averaged 28.8 yards after contact per game over the last ten games and has hit at least 24 yards after contact during the previous two games.
Irving isn’t known for breaking out big gains. But he is known for his consistent running. As long as he’s consistently picking up yards and gets 15+ carries, there’s no reason he should struggle to get to 63 rushing yards against the Falcons.
Start The Week Off Strong In The NFL
The NFL regular season is almost finished. But with three more weeks left, we’ll want to take advantage of the remaining games.
Ultimately, I see value in the Buccaneers at home on Thursday Night Football. If you agree, open up a new sportsbook account with sportsbooks like Caesars and BetMGM and attack the valuable bets.
Also, find picks and props anywhere, anytime for the NFL using OddsTrader. Let’s have a big Week 15!
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.