Bucs vs. Falcons Prediction
With the Bucs having already clinched the NFC South division with a win over the Panthers last Sunday, will the Falcons cover as 4.5-point home favorites at 1:00 p.m. ET today?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
471 Tampa Bay Bucs (+4.5) at 472 Atlanta Falcons (-4.5); o/u 40.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, January 8, 2023
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Bucs vs. Falcons Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 64% of public bettors are currently backing the Bucs when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Tampa Bay Bucs DFS Spin
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said quarterback Kyle Trask has a “good chance of dressing” for Week 18 against the Falcons. Bowles is already on record saying that the starters will play in Week 18, but left the door open for the possibility of some backups playing. It’s probably a good idea for the team to get a look at Trask before the end of the season. Trask was drafted by the team in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft but has yet to take a regular season snap in nearly two full seasons with the team. With the possibility of Tom Brady leaving via free agency, the Bucs could be in need of a quarterback upgrade in 2023. Although, Trask having a chance to earn the starting job next season is also a real possibility.
Atlanta Falcons DFS Spin
Desmond Ridder completed 19-of-26 attempts for 169 yards in the Falcons’ 20-19, Week 17 win over the Cardinals. Ridder’s pocket presence was comically awkward at times. However, he seemed so discombobulated that it seemed to throw off the defenders as well, and he was generally able to get out of trouble. Ridder showed a good connection with Drake London, who saw eight targets and a 31% target share. Patterson was also heavily targeted, matching London with eight. Arthur Smith appears slightly more willing to call passing plays for Ridder than he was for Marcus Mariota. The rookie is still off the fantasy radar but could help facilitate a decent outing for the offense against the Buccaneers in Week 18.
Bucs vs. Falcons Betting Trends
Over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings
Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Atlanta
Under is 6-1 in Buccaneers last 7 road games
Under is 5-0 in Falcons last 5 games overall
Bucs vs. Falcons Prediction:
As noted above, the Bucs are likely to rest most of starters today in Atlanta, making it difficult to trust Tampa – even in an underdog role. The Falcons have been eliminated from playoff contention but they have a young team led by a rookie QB in Ridder that wants to prove himself worthy of being the starter next year. The Falcons played the Bucs tough earlier this season at Raymond James Stadium and now that they’ll likely face Tampa’s backups, I like Atlanta to cover today.
NFL WEEK 18 PREDICTION: ATLANTA FALCONS -4.5
