- Analysis
- Root Reserve on Atlanta
Were looking at an important NFC South division game as Tampa travels to play Atlanta. The oddsmakers essentially view this game as a toss up, listing the Falcons as a slim 1.5-point favorite over the visiting Buccaneers. This Tampa team, despite winning back-to-back division titles, continues to get disrespected in the betting market by the oddsmakers. The Vegas Oddsmakers are rarely wrong. The teams split the head-to-head series last year, with Atlanta winning 16-13 on October 22nd, and Tampa following it up with a 29-25 victory on December 10th.Despite currently leading the NFC South, the sports betting market still isn’t giving Tampa much respect, pricing them at just +200 to win the division. That’s the second-shortest price behind only the Falcons (+160). As for tonight for Tampa Bay Injury Report: It’s still a little early in the week for a full, solidified injury report. However, it’s worth noting that WR Mike Evans (knee/calf) and S Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) did not practice on Monday. NT Vita Vea and T Tristan Wirfs were limited in practice. Jimmy Lake is Atlanta’s defensive coordinator, and his unit has allowed 21.3 points per game (14th). In terms of yardage, they’re 19th, conceding 336.5 yards per contest. The Falcons defense, however, has played well in the red zone, ranking 11th with an opponents’ TD% of 46.7%. And I’m expecting a physical, lower-scoring divisional affair on Thursday night, somewhere in the 20-17 range with the home team coming out on top. Kirk Cousins’ performance so far is a C+. He’s still looking to get the chemistry going after four games. The signal caller certainly hasn’t been overpowering in Atlanta, throwing for 864 yards on a 64.7% completion rate, while adding four touchdowns and four picks. His top target is newcomer Darnell Mooney, who has 225 yards and a touchdown on 25 catches. As for the rushing attack, the versatile Bijan Robinson has led the way, gaining 224 yards and a touchdown on 55 totes (4.1 YPC). I love this point spread. It’s currently sitting at Atlanta-1.5. Go Falcons.
