Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Picks and Predictions October 27th 2024

Falcons, ailing Bucs look to wrest control of NFC South

In a high-stakes matchup for control of the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off on Sunday, both entering the game with a 4-3 record. Despite similar standings, Tampa Bay’s roster looks markedly different than it did a week ago, with critical injuries threatening to reshape the team’s offensive game plan. Atlanta, coming off a challenging loss, is equally determined to seize control of the division.

Key Players Out for Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay’s recent loss to the Baltimore Ravens came at a steep price. Not only did the Buccaneers fall 41-31, but they also lost their two star wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

• Mike Evans: The veteran wide receiver, who scored his 100th career touchdown against the Ravens, exited early with a hamstring injury. While the team avoided placing Evans on injured reserve, head coach Todd Bowles confirmed he wouldn’t return before Tampa’s Week 11 bye. Evans has been instrumental this season with 26 receptions, 335 yards, and an NFL-leading six touchdowns.
• Chris Godwin: Godwin’s dislocated ankle will require surgery, likely sidelining him for the remainder of the season. On track for a career year, Godwin had amassed 576 receiving yards and five touchdowns, placing him just behind Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase (620 yards) in the NFL receiving yards leaderboard.

These injuries have put the Buccaneers in a challenging position offensively, as they now rely on a less-experienced receiving corps.

NFL Picks & Previews

New Faces on Offense: McMillan and Palmer

To offset the loss of Evans and Godwin, Tampa Bay will turn to young receivers Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer.

• Jalen McMillan: The rookie, drafted in the third round out of Washington, has shown early promise with six catches for 74 yards and a touchdown this season.
• Trey Palmer: Now in his second season, Palmer has five receptions for 61 yards and a score, bringing potential to a restructured offense.

Bowles is optimistic about what the younger players can bring, saying, “They bring something different. We have to tweak our offense now to what they bring to the table. It’ll be a challenge, but I’m excited to see them play. I think they have more than what meets the eye.”

Atlanta’s Path to Redemption

The Falcons head into this game with motivation to rebound after last week’s 34-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Turnovers plagued Atlanta, with three turnovers in the fourth quarter alone, including two costly interceptions by quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Aiming to regain momentum, Atlanta’s offense will need to focus on ball security to avoid the errors that cost them against Seattle. Coach Raheem Morris, who coached the Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011, is preparing his team to face a “next-man-up” Buccaneers squad.

“They’re pros, just like everybody else in the National Football League,” Morris commented. “They’re definitely going to have the next-man-up mentality. That’s two really good players out, but for coaches and people who work inside the building, they always have answers to be positive about and players to get the ball to.”

Key Injury Report and Lineup Adjustments

Both teams are contending with injuries that could impact Sunday’s matchup.

• Atlanta’s Defense: Linebacker Troy Andersen (knee) has seen limited practice participation, signaling he may be nearing a return after his September 29 injury. Safety Justin Simmons (hamstring), cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (back), and linebacker Nate Landman (shoulder) also remain questionable but were limited participants in recent practices.
• Atlanta’s Offensive Line: Matthew Bergeron, recovering from a neck issue, returned as a full participant, which should strengthen Atlanta’s line. However, center Ryan Neuzil missed practice with a knee injury, potentially affecting the stability of the team’s protection.
• Tampa Bay: Beyond the receiver injuries, the Buccaneers will likely miss running back Bucky Irving (toe), tight end Payne Durham (calf), and safety Tykee Smith (concussion), as all were non-participants in recent practices.

Game Impact: NFC South Standings and Playoff Implications

This matchup has significant implications for the NFC South standings, as both teams vie for a spot at the top of the division. For Atlanta, a win would position them firmly as division leaders and give them a tiebreaker edge over Tampa Bay. Conversely, a Buccaneers win could bolster their standing despite the setbacks, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.

What to Watch: Strategies and Adjustments

• Tampa Bay’s Passing Game: With two new starting receivers, expect Tampa Bay’s offense to focus on short, high-percentage throws to help McMillan and Palmer get comfortable against Atlanta’s defense.
• Atlanta’s Turnover Prevention: After last week’s fourth-quarter turnover spree, Cousins and the Falcons offense must prioritize ball security, especially in critical moments, to avoid putting the game out of reach.
• Defense vs. Offense: Atlanta’s defense, known for generating pressure, will test Tampa Bay’s new receiving corps. With Andersen potentially back in the lineup, the Falcons could capitalize on Tampa Bay’s weakened offense to control the pace of the game.

Conclusion: Who Will Claim Control?

Sunday’s showdown promises a hard-fought battle for divisional supremacy as both teams grapple with lineup changes. The Falcons are seeking a path to redemption, while the Buccaneers hope their “next-man-up” approach can keep them competitive despite their injury-depleted roster. With divisional stakes high, this game could set the tone for each team’s playoff aspirations, solidifying the winner’s position at the top of the NFC South.

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