The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons meet Sunday in NFL action from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Tampa Bay is fresh off a matchup with Carolina. In that one, the Buccaneers moved to 5-7 overall with a three-point win. As for Atlanta, they played the Jets in their last outing. The 6-6 Falcons ended up eking out a low-scoring victory. Let’s get into our Buccaneers vs. Falcons prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have had issues on the scoreboard this year, as they’re averaging just 19.4 points per game. Tampa Bay is averaging just 85.2 yards per game on the ground with 3.5 yards per carry and six touchdowns. The good news is that the Bucs’ defense has been solid overall with 20.4 points per game allowed. 

In their Sunday matchup versus Carolina, Tampa Bay scored a touchdown in three of four quarters to power out a 21-28 win. The Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield threw for 202 yards with one TD and one interception. Rachaad White led the rush with 84 yards and a score, while Mike Evans hauled in seven balls for 162 yards and a TD. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Facts

• The Buccaneers have lost each of their last 12 December games as road underdogs against NFC opponents.
• The Buccaneers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games following a Division win.
• The Buccaneers have lost the first quarter in each of their last eight games following a win.
• The Buccaneers have scored the first touchdown in each of their last seven games as road underdogs against NFC South opponents.
• The Buccaneers have lost the first half in each of their last nine December games as road underdogs.

Atlanta Falcons 

Over on the Falcons’ side, they’ve had issues scoring this year as well. Atlanta is averaging just 18.8 points per game on 22 total touchdowns. An average of 193.4 yards per game, 11 scores and nine picks have come through the air with 10 rush scores and 4.2 yards per carry on the ground. Atlanta’s defense is giving up an average of 20.0 points per game as well. 

The Falcons were able to eke out an ugly win over the lowly Jets on Sunday. Atlanta scored 10 points in the second quarter and held on for the 13-8 result. Desmond Ridder threw for 121 yards and the one touchdown. Bijan Robinson had 18 carries for 53 yards, and Kyle Pitts led the receivers with 51 yards on four catches. 

Atlanta Falcons Team Facts

• The underdogs have won six of the Falcons’ last seven games.
• The underdogs have covered the spread in seven of the Falcons’ last eight games.
• The Falcons have lost the first quarter in seven of their last eight Sunday games against teams that held a losing record.
• The Falcons have won the first half in each of their last four Sunday games.
• The Falcons have scored the first touchdown in five of their last six games as home favorites against NFC South opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Falcons rank 31st in the NFL in average kickoff return (17.5 yards) this season.
• The Falcons rank 30th in the NFL in average punt return this season (6.2 yards).
• The Buccaneers rank T2nd in the NFL in 4th down percentage this season (66.7%).
• The Buccaneers rank 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game this season (85.2).

ANDREW’S FREE BUCCANEERS VS FALCONS PREDICTION 

I’ll stick with the Buccaneers. Probably not touching this one, but it should at least be a competitive game. Tampa Bay managed a tepid 322 total yards (194 passing) against the Panthers in their last outing but did pretty good on defense with just 15 first downs and 282 total yards allowed on the other side. The Buccaneers have scored 21 or fewer points in four straight games, but they’re a decent 2-2 in that time. 

As for Atlanta, they posted 194 yards versus the Jets in their Sunday win. That was good enough to best a horrific New York offense, though. The Falcons have hit 23 or more points in four of their last five games, so the Bucs will probably have to get it going on the scoreboard early here. I think Tampa Bay will pull it off, though.