Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) vs. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons 12/10/23 – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) will visit the Atlanta Falcons (6-6) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, December 10th at 1 PM ET in a pivotal NFC South showdown. This game, scheduled for Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is pivotal for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Fans and bettors seeking NFL free insights will find this game especially intriguing due to the close standings and historical rivalry.
The Buccaneers possess more overall talent, but this has been a down year for Tom Brady and company. Tampa Bay averages just 18.3 points per game, as Brady has lacked reliable weapons beyond Mike Evans. The 45-year-old QB has already been sacked 27 times behind a porous offensive line. Rookie running back Rachaad White has shown flashes, but the ground attack lacks consistency. This is hardly the offensive juggernaut of years past.
Conversely, Atlanta has scrapped together a respectable campaign behind an emerging defense allowing the eight fewest points in the NFL at 19.2 per game. But they have offensive shortcomings of their own, failing to top 20 points in four straight contests. Quarterback Desmond Ridder has experienced typical rookie growing pains including more interceptions than touchdowns. While he protects the football well, Ridder has yet to throw for over 200 yards in a game as the Falcons rely on their rushing attack and stout defense to grind out wins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons 12/10/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Baker Mayfield QB vs. Desmond Ridder QB
While Baker Mayfield has steadied the ship in Tampa Bay, he remains an average starting quarterback prone to mistakes when pressured. Despite 18 touchdown passes, Mayfield has been sacked 27 times and lacks mobility behind a leaky offensive line. He will need to get rid of the ball quickly to find success against this Atlanta pass rush.
Rookie Desmond Ridder has experienced typical first-year QB growing pains including more interceptions than touchdowns. While he has yet to throw for over 200 yards in a game, Ridder protects the football and allows Atlanta’s defense and run game to control games. Turnovers could determine Sunday’s outcome.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Atlanta Falcons -130, Total Odds: 40
The Falcons are slight favorites with a -2.5 point spread and -130 on the moneyline. The total set at 40 points, with the under at -111, suggests a close, potentially lower-scoring game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Trends
The Buccaneers had been solid point spread bets over the past month, covering in four of their previous six games. However, Tampa Bay has mostly struggled straight up, losing six of its last eight overall. Encouragingly, the Bucs have had Atlanta’s number, going 5-2 SU in the past seven head-to-head meetings. When visiting Atlanta, Tampa Bay has been a strong cover, going 5-1 ATS over the past six away dates against the Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends
Meanwhile, Atlanta has been a largely poor bet over the past month-plus, covering just twice over its last 11 games overall. The Falcons are also 1-4 ATS over their previous five home dates. Historically, this has been a high-scoring series when playing in Atlanta, going over the total in 11 of the last 15 overall meetings and six of the past seven contests at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Most recently, Atlanta has struggled against the NFC, going 2-5 ATS over its past seven matchups with conference opponents.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons 12/10/23 Betting Picks
This matchup appears to be a close call. The Buccaneers, despite their overall record, have shown the ability to compete, especially on the road. The Falcons, while slightly favored, have had issues with consistency. For pro handicapping experts, this game presents an intriguing challenge.
Considering both teams’ performances and trends, the Buccaneers could be a value pick, especially with the points. The total is tricky, but given both teams’ recent trends, the under might be a safer bet. Prop bets, particularly on key players like Mayfield and Robinson, could provide additional opportunities for bettors.
Free Pick and Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21, Atlanta Falcons 20