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Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons: predictions, picks, odds

Vaseline October 3, 2024

Week 5’s edition of Thursday Night Football will feature an NFC South showdown between the two favorites to win the division: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. Both teams have .500 records or better month to month after the start of the season, and a win here would lock up first place in the division for now.

Buccaneers’ quarterback Baker Mayfield is playing at an elite level. Even without Dave Canales in the fold, the Bucs offense hasn’t missed a beat. Rookie running back Bucky Irving is emerging as one of the most explosive young backs in the NFL. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin remain an elite 1-2 punch at receiver, and even the defense is playing better than expected.

While preseason expectations have not yet been met for Atlanta, the team has looked better than in recent years. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has shown flashes of greatness, such as his incredible comeback in Week 2 against Philadelphia. Overall, though, this team hasn’t had a big win yet that really impressed the fans.

Here are our experts’ predictions for Thursday Night Football.

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Falcons vs. Buccaneers odds, moneyline, top/bottom

According to BetMGM NFL odds, the Falcons are the favorite to beat the Buccaneers. Do you want to bet? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promotions in 2024, including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

Distribution: Falcons (-1.5)
Moneyline: Falcons (-125); Buccaneers (+105)
Top/bottom: 43.5

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NFL Week 5 odds, predictions and picks

Lorenzo Reyes: Buccaneers 23, Valken 17

This is a tricky game, a divisional game, between a pair of teams that can be quite fickle. I think it comes down to quarterback play, and honestly, I trust Baker Mayfield more at this point than Kirk Cousins, whose execution of Atlanta’s offense remains somewhat slow and deliberate. The Falcons could also do a lot better to get their playmakers more involved.

Tyler Dragon: Falcons 24, Buccaneers 21

The Bucs were a pleasant surprise this year with three impressive wins against the Commanders, Lions and Eagles. Wide receiver Chris Godwin ranks in the top 10 in catches and receiving yards and TDs. But the Falcons have a good pass defense and a talented offense that is starting to build chemistry. I think these two NFC South rivals will split the season series.

Jordan Mendoza: Buccaneers 20, Falcons 18

Tampa Bay has looked especially sharp this season, with a big win against the Eagles. It continues the momentum and strengthens its lead in the NFC South.

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