The Tampa Bay Buccaneers swept the Falcons by a combined score of 68-10 last season.  But, the Falcons are a much different team this season especially on offense.  The Falcons rushed for a amazing 318 yards (7.6 ypc) last week against the Lions and they will attempt to run the ball early and often in this game.  Barrett Ruud, Cato June and Quincy Black will have a hard time corraling Michael Turner who rushed for 220 yards (10.0 ypc) last week against the Lions.  Jerious Norwood will test the perimeter of the Bucs’ defense as he rushed for 93 yards (6.6 ypc) last week.  If the Falcons can establish the running game that would take a lot of pressure off of rookie QB Matt Ryan.  The Falcons will run a lot of their pass plays off of play action against the Bucs.  The Bucs did allow 343 passing yards to the Saints last week so look for the Falcons to take a few shots downfield against them.

Brian Griese will get the start for the Bucs in this game in the place of the injured Jeff Garcia.  The Bucs would be smart to run the ball more often this week as they rushed for 146 yards (7.3 ypc) last week against the Saints.  Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn will test the middle of the Falcons’ defense which only allowed 62 yards rushing (3.0 ypc) last week against the Lions.  The Falcons allowed 262 yards passing last week so Griese will likely be looking deep to Joey Galloway often in this football game.

PREDICTION:  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 23, ATLANTA FALCONS 17