ATL Falcons vs TB Buccaneers Picks, Predictions & Betting Splits for TNF
By Sascha Paruk in NFL News
Published:
- Already eliminated from the playoff race, the Falcons are sizable road underdogs to the Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football
- The Bucs have lost four of five but are still tied for the division lead with Carolina
- See the Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers picks, predictions, latest odds, and betting splits for TNF
A pivotal NFC South showdown unfolds on Thursday Night Football as the Atlanta Falcons (4-9, 2-5 away, 5-7-1 ATS, 6-6-1 O/U) travel to Raymond James Stadium to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6, 3-3 home, 5-8 ATS, 7-6 O/U). A win would move Tampa Bay half-a-game up on Carolina at the top of the division for the time being.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 pm ET on Amazon Prime Video. My comprehensive betting preview dissects every statistical angle, from turnover differentials to red-zone efficiency, in order to find my favorite Falcons vs Buccaneers picks and predictions.
Falcons vs Buccaneers Expert Picks & Predictions
Spread Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers -4.5 (-108) at DraftKings
This NFC South battle presents a compelling contrast between offensive philosophies and defensive strengths, with key statistical disparities illuminating a clear betting path. The Buccaneers have constructed their success around winning the turnover battle and capitalizing on money downs; often those are unsustainable statistics but in this case, they create a problematic matchup for Atlanta’s mistake-prone attack. While the Falcons generate more total yards per contest (330.0 vs. 315.0), their critical inefficiencies directly conflict with Tampa Bay’s greatest strengths.
The most telling statistic involves ball security and opportunistic defense. Tampa Bay boasts an impressive +8 turnover differential, powered by 12 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries that consistently flip field position. Conversely, Atlanta sits at an even 0 differential despite surrendering the ball 14 times this season. This foundation, combined with the Buccaneers’ superior third-down conversion rate (38.4% vs. Atlanta’s 31.0%), positions the home team to control tempo and sustain drives when it matters most.
ATL vs TB Statistical Comparison:
The Buccaneers are only 1-4 ATS this season as home favorites, but Atlanta’s offense manages just 19.1 points per game while converting only 31.0% of third-down attempts. Tampa Bay doesn’t require offensive perfection to cover; they simply need to protect the football and convert key situations at their typical rate to cover this modest spread.
Game-Total Pick: Under 44 (-110) at DraftKings Sportsbook
Both defenses generate substantial pass-rush pressure, with Atlanta recording 43 sacks and Tampa Bay adding 32 quarterback takedowns. This defensive intensity should disrupt offensive rhythm and create drive-killing situations. The under is 4-2 in Falcons road games this season, while Tampa Bay games have stayed under in six of their last eight home contests.
The combined scoring average between these teams (41.8 points) sits well below the total of 44.5, supporting a defensive slugfest in this divisional rivalry.
Best Prop Bet: Kirk Cousins Over 0.5 Interceptions (-130) at DraftKings
This represents exceptional value against Tampa Bay’s ball-hawking secondary. The Buccaneers defense has intercepted 12 passes while generating that elite +8 turnover differential, directly challenging a Falcons passing attack that has surrendered 14 turnovers.
Cousins has tossed three picks in his last three games, and will likely be facing constant pressure as Atlanta plays from behind. Expect the veteran quarterback to force throws into Tampa Bay’s opportunistic coverage schemes.
Falcons vs Buccaneers Public-Betting Trends
The betting market reveals a fascinating split between casual money and sharp action. Professional bettors appear to be taking a contrarian stance on the spread while aligning with the public on other markets.
- Moneyline: 94% of money backing Tampa Bay to win outright, showing minimal public confidence in an Atlanta upset
- Spread: Sharp-vs-public situation developing as 63% is on Atlanta +4.5 despite the vast majority of bets (64%) on Tampa Bay
- Total: Strong consensus on scoring with 78% of handle on the over.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds
The Buccaneers are 4.5-point favorites across the board with DraftKings offering the best price on Tampa (-108) and FanDuel on Atlanta (-105). On the moneyline, the Buc are a market-best -225 at BetMGM, while the Falcons are as long as +200 at bet365.
The game total ranges from 44.0 to 44.5. DraftKings has the best under number (45.5 at -115) while bet365 has the best over number (44.0 at -110).
After removing the sportsbook’s vig, the normalized probabilities show Tampa Bay with a 68.1% fair chance of victory against Atlanta’s 31.9% upset odds.
ATL vs TB H2H Team Stats
The season-long numbers reveal where these NFC South rivals hold advantages and expose potential mismatches that should influence game flow:
Managing Editor
Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.