NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Sunday, December 6, 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Line: Tampa Bay (-1.5)
The 6-5 Atlanta Falcons will be looking to get back to their winning ways as they take on the 5-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. With the Seattle Seahawks finding their stride, this game is crucial for both teams’ playoff chances. A loss by the Buccaneers will essentially eliminate them from playoff contention while a win will put both teams within one game of the final playoff spot.
The Falcons have lost five out of six games since starting the season 5-0. The biggest reason for their struggles has been the ineffectiveness of Matt Ryan and the passing game. Aside from Julio Jones, who has 94 receptions, no other player has more than 48 catches and no other receiver has more than 26. Because of his tunnel vision for Jones, Ryan has thrown 12 interceptions this season.
With Devonta Freeman expected to return on Sunday, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan needs to build a run-heavy gameplan to take the pressure off of Ryan. Being able to run the ball will open up the play-action passing game.
Last week against the Indianapolis Colts, the Buccaneers were able to move the ball up and down the field, but had to settle for two field goals en route to scoring only 12 points. Jameis Winston must find more success in the red zone if the Buccaneers are going to make a playoff run. With Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson on the outside, it shouldn’t be as hard as it seems to be.
This is a de facto playoff game for the Buccaneers and I expect them to play as such. With the downward spiral that the Falcons seem to be in, it could be tough to turn around in a crucial divisional road game. I predict the Buccaneers will win on a last-second Connor Barth field goal.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 23, Atlanta 20
Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
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