Atlanta was on the verge of losing three straight games and giving a new life to their divisional rivals. They were able to drive down the field in the final minutes against the Packers and save their winning record. Still, this is a tough divisional game in which Bucs can put themselves back in the playoff conversation.
Tampa Bay won in Atlanta in Week 1 so that victory made everybody think that Falcons are going to be just as bad as they were in the second half of the last season. Bucs went downhill from that point on with a few bright spots in the next few matches.
On the other hand, Atlanta started playing winning football and won four straight games before falling to Seattle in a controversial finish.
Matt Ryan was decent in that duel, and he’s been in MVP form ever since that match. It’s the defense that gave that victory to the Bucs. Winston threw for 4 TDs and had only one pick.
It’s a divisional contest with high stakes. If Tampa wins at home, they will move to .500 and just a half-game behind Falcons. It’s also a Thursday Night Football and a big stage for both teams.
This victory against the Packers was crucial for Falcons’ confidence, and we are going to pick them to avenge their loss from Week 1 at home. The game is in Florida, so it’s going to be tough, but they are good on the road this year. They have won few difficult ones away from home, and there is no reason for them not to be favored in this matchup.
Matt Ryan will have a great day, but so will Jameis Winston. It’s going to come down to who can fling that football in the clutch. Ryan is a better player right now, so we pick him to win this shootout 33:30.
