- What: NFL Regular Season Game
- When: Thursday, October 3rd
- Who: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
- Time: 5:15 p.m. PST
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)
Kicking off week 5, the Atlanta Falcons host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay heads into its first NFC South matchup of the season, and a victory could boost its division title hopes.
Despite being underdogs in this matchup, the Bucs offense has been impressive early on. Baker Mayfield has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFC and continues to build strong chemistry with his receivers.
#TNFonPrime is LIVE from Atlanta! ???? pic.twitter.com/UvxL7neVPy
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 3, 2024
Defensively, the Bucs have recently limited NFC contenders like the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. The injury report is a troubling sign for the Bucs heading into this game.
Inactives for Week 5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/Owr3kea0E3
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 3, 2024
The Bucs will be without key contributors DT Calijah Kancey, S Antoine Winfield, WR Jalen McMillan and WR Trey Palmer.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have found themselves in tight games throughout the season, but Kirk Cousins ability to lead the offense has consistently given them a chance to win.
They are seeking a 2-0 start in the NFC South after a last-second win over the Saints last week. With offensive weapons and a productive run game led by Bijan Robinson, the Falcons are favored in this matchup.
Made for prime time@Bijan5Robinson ✨ pic.twitter.com/GPXIkwvb3J
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 3, 2024
Their pass rush will be crucial in this matchup, especially against a Bucs team that has struggled with protection. They’ve allowed the fourth-most sacks in the NFL.
The Falcons pass rush could generate pressure on Baker Mayfield forcing him into some key mistakes. These Thursday games are difficult to predict and it appears the Falcons are dealing with an extensive injuries as well.
Kaleb McGary and Ruke Orhorhoro will be ACTIVE tonight vs. Tampa Bay
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 3, 2024
Bucs-Falcons Best Bet
This one has been very difficult to figure out, both of these teams are coming off a short week are dealing with a ton of injuries. If the Bucs were healthy, I’d lean toward picking them.
However, there is a reason the Falcons are favored in this one, most of the time the home team has the advantage in these Thursday Night games.
The total is going to be the play in this one, it opened up at 44.5 and has barely moved, it’s still sitting at 44 at most sportsbooks. I’m looking at betting Under 44 points in this one, because these TNF games are usually low scoring.
Other than the first game of the season, where the Chiefs and Ravens had plenty of time to prepare, we have not seen more than 41 points scored in these matchups.
Under 44 points at -110 odds is going to be the best bet in this one.
Can the Seahawks stay perfect as they visit the Lions on MNF?
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
