The Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet Sunday in NFL action from Raymond James Stadium. The Falcons come into this one at 3-3 overall, dropping back to .500 after a loss to the Commanders in Week 6. As for Tampa Bay, they’re sitting at 3-2 so far following a loss to the Lions on Sunday. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Atlanta Falcons 

The Falcons started out the season on a promising note, winning their first two outings over the Panthers 24-10 and the Packers 25-24. Atlanta lost their next two games however, dropping to the Lions 20-6 and the Jaguars 23-7. Week 5 was a rebound effort win over the Texans 21-19, but the Falcons couldn’t sustain any consistency with a loss to the Commanders on Sunday. 

In the matchup versus Washington in Week 6, the Falcons were down 17-10 at the break. Atlanta wouldn’t get any closer in a 24-16 loss. QB Desmond Ridder put up 307 yards with two scores and three interceptions, while Tyler Allgeier led the rush on 13 carries and 51 yards. Drake London paced the receivers with 125 yards from nine catches. 

Atlanta Falcons Team Facts

• The Falcons have lost each of their last eight games as underdogs.
• The Falcons have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine Week 7 games.
• The Falcons have won the first quarter in four of their last five Sunday games against teams that held a winning record.
• The Falcons have scored the first touchdown in three of their last four games played on the East Coast.
• The favorites have won the first half in each of the Falcons’ last seven Week 7 games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Over on the Tampa Bay side, they got off to a good start as well, winning three of their first four games. The lone defeat came 25-1 at the hands of the Eagles in Week 3. Otherwise the Buccaneers toppled the Vikings 20-17, the Bears 27-17 and the Saints 26-9 in the first quartet. Tampa Bay lost any momentum they had with a home defeat at the hands of the Lions on Sunday, though. 

Matched up against Detroit, the Buccaneers gave up points in every quarter and could only muster a couple of field goals on offense in a 20-6 loss. QB Baker Mayfield put up 206 yards with an interception, and Rachaad White led an anemic rushing attack with his 26 yards on seven carries. Chris Godwin was a bright spot however, with six catches for 77 yards. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Facts

• The favorites have won each of the Buccaneers’ last eight games at Raymond James Stadium.
• The Buccaneers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games at Raymond James Stadium following a loss.
• The Buccaneers have won the first half in eight of their last nine games against the Falcons.
• The Buccaneers have scored the first touchdown in each of their last five games against the Falcons.
• The Buccaneers have lost the first quarter in seven of their last eight games against NFC opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Buccaneers rank 1st in the NFL in average yards per punt this season (53.5).
• The Buccaneers rank T2nd in the NFL in 4th down percentage this season (75.0%).
• The Falcons rank 31st in the NFL in average punt return this season (5.1 yards).
• The Falcons rank T2nd in the NFL in Q4 opponent points per game this season (3.3).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stick with Tampa Bay at home, but it’s close. The Buccaneers are coming off a pretty abysmal offensive performance against the Lions defense, posting just 251 yards overall (205 passing), 13 first downs and a 2-of-12 run on third-down tries. Tampa Bay held the ball for just 23:30 as well, which isn’t going to win many games if you’re not finding the end zone in the meantime. The Bucs have 11 or fewer points in two of their last three, so the offense has to get it together before Sunday. 

As for the Falcons, they suffered on offense as well with three interceptions and a 5-of-15 effort on third-down conversions Sunday versus Washington. Atlanta is on the same boat when it comes to scoring; they’ve hit 16 or fewer points in three of their last four. This one might not be pretty if neither offense can find a groove.