Admin October 2, 2024
NFL Overreactions Week 4
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down some of the biggest games from NFL week 4.
Sports Seriously
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 a month into the season, and a win here would dictate first-place in the division for the time being.
Buccaneers‘ quarterback Baker Mayfield has been playing at an elite level. Even without Dave Canales in the fold anymore, the Bucs’ offense has not 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 continue to be an elite 1-2 punch at receiver, and even the defense is playing better than expected.
While preseason expectations for Atlanta have not been met just yet, the team has looked better than in years past. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has offered flashes of greatness, such as his incredible Week 2 comeback against Philadelphia. All in all though, this team has not had a marquee win that really impressed fans as of yet.
Here are our experts’ predictions for Thursday Night Football.
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Falcons vs. Buccaneers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Falcons are favorites to defeat the Buccaneers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
- Spread: Falcons (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Falcons (-125); Buccaneers (+105)
- Over/under: 43.5
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FEELING LUCKY? Here are the best parlay bets and odds for NFL games this week
NFL Week 5 odds, predictions and picks
Falcons vs. Buccaneers | Vikings vs. Jets | Bears vs. Panthers | Bengals vs. Ravens | Texans vs. Bills | Jaguars vs. Colts | Patriots vs. Dolphins | Commanders vs. Browns | Broncos vs. Raiders | 49ers vs. Cardinals | Rams vs. Packers | Seahawks vs. Giants | Steelers vs. Cowboys | Chiefs vs. Saints
Lorenzo Reyes: Buccaneers 23, Falcons 17
This is a tricky game, a divisional game, between a pair of teams that can be rather mercurial. I think it comes down to quarterback play, and, frankly, I trust Baker Mayfield right now more than I trust Kirk Cousins, whose operation of Atlanta’s offense continues to be slightly slow and deliberate. The Falcons could also do a far better job of getting their playmakers involved more.
Tyler Dragon: Falcons 24, Buccaneers 21
The Bucs have been a pleasant surprise this year with three impressive wins against the Commanders, Lions and Eagles. Wide receiver Chris Godwin ranks top 10 in catches, receiving yards and TDs. But the Falcons have a good pass defense along with a talented offense that’s beginning 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 mostly sharp this season, coming off a big win against the Eagles. It continues the momentum and strengthens its lead in the NFC South.
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