Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Event Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Broadcast: FOX
Point Spread Odds: Falcons (+2.5)
Total Over/Under: 47
In an exciting matchup, the Atlanta Falcons (who finished last season with an 8-9 record) will face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7 last season) at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons are established as 2.5-point underdogs, with the total points set at 47.
Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up the season with a respectable 10-7 record. In their most recent game, they fell to the Washington Commanders, losing 23-20. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 15 of 18 passes for 185 yards and threw 2 touchdown passes, achieving an impressive quarterback rating of 146.5 without any interceptions. Receiver Mike Evans recorded 92 yards on 7 receptions, averaging 13.1 yards per catch. Bucky Irving was the strongest runner for the Buccaneers, carrying the ball 17 times for 77 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. Tampa Bay executed a total of 43 plays for 284 yards and rushed 25 times for 101 yards, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. On defense, they allowed 82 rushing yards on 33 attempts, equating to an average of 2.5 yards per rush. In the passing game, Tampa Bay gave up 24 completed passes on 35 attempts for 268 yards, resulting in a 68.6% completion rate.
In total, the Buccaneers gained 6,793 yards throughout the season, achieving 224 first downs but facing 108 penalties totaling 839 yards. They scored 41 touchdowns through the air and 16 on the ground while surrendering the ball 23 times through 16 interceptions and 7 fumbles. On average, they recorded 149.2 rushing yards per game, ranking 4th in the league, while scoring an average of 29.5 points per game.
Defensively, the Buccaneers allowed 4,147 passing yards, ranking 29th in the NFL, yielding an average of 243.9 passing yards per game with a 66.3% completion rate. They allowed 27 touchdowns through the air and 13 rushing touchdowns, finishing the season with an average of 341.8 total yards allowed per game, placing them 18th in the league. Opponents rushed for an average of 4.3 yards per carry and 97.8 rushing yards per game. Overall, Tampa Bay’s defense allowed 22.6 points per game, ranking them 16th in the league, giving up a total of 1,663 rushing yards over 17 games.
Discover all our NFL Picks
On the other side, the Falcons concluded the previous year with an 8-9 record. In their last game, they suffered a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers, finishing 44-38. Running back Bijan Robinson was a standout, carrying the ball 28 times for 170 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Receiver Drake London was a primary target, catching 10 passes for an impressive 187 yards, averaging 18.7 yards per reception. Quarterback Michael Penix threw for 312 yards on 21 of 38 passing, achieving 2 touchdowns but also threw 1 interception, with an 88.9 QB rating and averaging 8.2 yards per attempt. Defensively, the Falcons allowed 30 rushing attempts for 155 yards (5.2 YPC), while their passing defense yielded 74.3% completion rate, allowing 270 yards through the air on 26 completions out of 35 attempts. Overall, Atlanta tallied 537 yards from 76 offensive plays, averaging 7.1 yards per play and rushing for 6.0 yards per attempt, amassing a total of 227 yards on 38 attempts.
In terms of scoring, the Falcons ranked 13th in the NFL, averaging 22.9 points per game last season. They accumulated a total of 4,068 passing yards, averaging 239.3 yards per game, which placed them 5th overall. Rushing-wise, Atlanta averaged 130.5 yards per game, totaling 2,219 rushing yards. The Falcons garnered an average of 369.8 total yards per game, ranking them 6th in the league, but unfortunately contributed 828 yards through 99 penalties, placing them 25th in the NFL.
Defensively, they conceded 34 passing touchdowns and allowed 224.5 passing yards per game, placing them 22nd in the league. The Falcons also surrendered a total of 2,051 rushing yards (average of 120.6 yards per game) and 11 rushing touchdowns last season. Their defense recorded 18 takeaways, consisting of 6 forced fumbles and 12 interceptions, and participated in a total of 1,067 plays from scrimmage, which ranked 23rd in the league. Overall, Atlanta’s defense allowed an average of 24.9 points per game, positioning them 23rd in the NFL.
Who will come out victorious in tonight’s Buccaneers-Falcons matchup?
Josh’s Prediction: Bet on the Buccaneers -2.5
Claim $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligations. No Salesmen. No Credit Card Required. Sign up quickly for Instant Access Click Here
Source link
