Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11) vs. Atlanta Falcons (9-6)
The Buccaneers have packed it in already this year as they have lost 9 games in a row. The last four losses have been especially brutal as they have been outscored by a combined score of 158-64. The Falcons have won four of their last six games. The Falcons could get the #5 seed in the playoffs with a win coupled with a Lions’ loss to the Packers. The Buccaneers beat the Falcons 16-13 in Tampa back in December. The Falcons will no if they have anything to play for by the time they kickoff as the Lions and Packers play at 1 o’clock. Here is a look at the matchups in this game:
When the Buccaneers have the ball: The Bucs are probably going to come out throwing the ball against the Falcons tomorrow. He should have time to throw the ball as the Falcons don’t have a good pass rush. Freeman will probably keep all of his receivers happy by spreading the ball around, but TE Kellen Winslow and Mike Williams will probably be the players most targeted. The Falcons are giving up 235.1 yards passing per game so far this year, so Freeman could be effective. The Bucs have shied away from running the ball lately, but that’s because they have fallen behind quite a bit early in games lately. It will be interesting to see if LeGarrette Blount is out of the Dog House.
When the Falcons have the ball: The bad news for the Bucs is that the Falcons have a lot of depth on offense, so even if they aren’t playing for anything….they will have capable players. The Falcons will likely come out running more than usual this weekend as the Bucs are giving up 149.7 yards rushing per game and 4.7 yards per carry so far this year. Michael Turner will carry the load if this game has meaning and rookie Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling will share the load if it doesn’t. Matt Ryan or Chris Redman will likely have success throwing the ball in this game as the Bucs’ pass defense has been lousy so far this year.
PREDICTION: FALCONS 27, BUCCANEERS 16
