Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Spreads NFL Week 3 Predictions: The Atlanta Falcons hit the road for Tampa Bay as they get set to take on the Buccaneers, Sunday Sept 25th. The Falcons have won three straight over the Bucs. NFL oddsmakers have the Buccaneers as -1 point home favorites over the Falcons with the over/under set at 46 points. Start your NFL Week 3 Predictions off right by getting your bet on the latest Falcons vs Buccaneers Spreads available now.
Atlanta (1-1) rallied to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 35-31, at home, in Week 2. QB Matt Ryan threw a career-high four touchdown passes, while RB Michael Turner had 21 carries for 114 yards with a touchdown. Matt Ryan has a lot of stars around him, including receiver Roddy White, tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Michael Turner. But he has the biggest impact on the Falcons' fate. He hasn't been sharp this season and has a 5-8 touchdown-to-interception margin in six games against the Bucs. They’ll want to control the ball with Michael Turner then use their weapons in the passing game once they have sucked the defense in. The Falcons added receiver Julio Jones in the draft after paying dearly in a trade up to the No. 6 pick. The Falcons won't give up a big lead like the one the Vikings did last week against the Bucs. Atlanta's defense, while inconsistent, has some playmakers who will make coming from behind tough. And Atlanta is capable of eating the clock with running back Michael Turner limiting opponents' time of possession.
Tampa Bay (1-1) got past Minnesota 24-20, on the road, in Week 2. They got another comeback win guided by QB Josh Freeman — this time from a 17-0 halftime deficit. Eight of Freeman's 14 career victories have come when the Bucs (1-1) went ahead in the fourth quarter or overtime. Given how overwhelmed Tampa Bay was before halftime, outgained 284 yards to 62 during the first two quarters, this might have been the most impressive. Bucs coach Raheem Morris says this series can't be called a rivalry until Tampa Bay wins a game under his leadership. That hasn't happened yet as the Bucs are winless in their past five meetings with the Falcons (four of those under Morris). The average margin in the five games, however, is 5.2 points. Last season, both games came down to the final possession. The Bucs are healthier Sunday than the last meeting, and the Falcons are not nearly as good on the road as they are at home.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Favorite is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
Falcons are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
Road team is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog.
Falcons are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. win.
Buccaneers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win.
Buccaneers are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When: Sunday Sept 25th@4:15 PM ET
Pick: Bucs -1
Point-Spreads recommends you check the latest NFL Point Spreads before the Falcons vs Buccaneers game starts.
The Bottom Line: Bucs should squeak this one out. Start the 2011 NFL season off right by getting your bet on the latest Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Spreads available now.
