The Atlanta Falcons host the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday Jan 1st, as the Bucs look to avoid closing the season on a 10-game losing streak. Atlanta, which won the NFC South last season, is headed to the playoffs as a wild card. NFL oddsmakers have the Falcons as huge -11.5 point home favorites over the Bucs with the over/under set at 45.5 points. Be sure to get the latest Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Spreads before making your 2011 NFL Picks Week 17.
Tampa Bay (4-11, 1-6 V) lost big to Carolina 16-48, on the road, in Week 16. Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris came into the game on the hot seat and Saturday’s loss may not bode well for his future. After a 4-2 start, the Bucs have dropped nine straight, scoring more than 20 points only once during that span. The Bucs turned the ball over four times. Starting RB LaGarrette Blount fumbled on Tampa Bay’s first play from scrimmage, leading to Olindo Mare’s field goal. Blount was benched until the second half. “It’s a basic thing, and to fumble like that, that’s unacceptable,” Morris said. “If some players aren’t ready to play, we’ll put others in.”
Tampa’s defense has been brutal, but Matt Ryan has been preyed on by the Bucs’ secondary in the past — he has nine picks against them, nearly twice as many as against any other foe. A league high-tying 36 turnovers has been one of the team’s glaring weaknesses. Last season, the Buccaneers had 19 – sixth-fewest in the NFL. “That’s the difference between this season and last season,” said Morris, whose team has been outscored by 94 in four December losses. Tampa Bay expected to contend for the South title after going 10-6 last season and opening 4-2 in 2011, including a 16-13 victory over Atlanta on Sept. 25, but the team is limping to the finish with its longest single-season skid since opening 0-9 in 1985.
Atlanta (9-6, 5-2 H) lost to New Orleans 16-45, on the road, in Week 16. QB Matt Ryan had 258 yards passing and one TD, including a 21-yard scoring strike to Jones that gave the Falcons a 10-7 lead late in the first quarter, and then it was all Saints for the win.
Atlanta has won three straight at the Georgia Dome over Tampa Bay by a combined 12 points. The Falcons are in a second straight postseason for the first time in their 46-year history but now would like to reach 10 wins for the third time in Smith’s four years at the helm. They lost their playoff openers the previous two times, in 2008 and 2010, but Ryan insists the team is currently only concerned about the Bucs. “The key is to focus on ourselves and make sure that no matter what they do, we play at a high level and we’re prepared and ready to execute,” he said. “That’s where my mindset is, and that’s how I think we need to be this week.”
Recent Trends to Consider:
Buccaneers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings in Atlanta.
Buccaneers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 meetings.
Favorite is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 meetings.
Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Buccaneers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog.
Buccaneers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 17.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons
When: Sunday, Jan 1st, 2011 4:15 PM EST
Pick: Falcons -11.5
Point-Spreads recommends you check the Buccaneers vs Falcons Spreads before the game kicks-off.
The Bottom Line: The Falcons will take, and cover, easily with their running game. NFL Point Spreads Expert Tyler Morgan went 4-1 ATS in Week 16, winning on underdogs Buffalo vs Denver to bring his NFL Predictions record to 73-39-4 for the season. Morgan, whose 2011 NFL Picks are hitting at 65% against the spread. Tyler’s moves have put thousands of dollars into his clients hands week after week. The good news for NFL Football bettors is – TYLER MORGAN’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Put a few Morgan Silver Dollars in your bank account by getting Tyler’s winning plays for FREE. Feel free to sign up to get NFL Picks Free!
