Despite struggling for the majority of the season, the Buccaneers clinched the NFC South and a playoff spot last week with a 30-24 win over the Panthers.
Atlanta snapped a four-game losing streak with a 20-19 win over the Cardinals and is 6-10 on the season. They’ll hope to avoid being swept by the Bucs this season and finish the low-expectation season strong.
Continue reading for the Tampa Bay vs Atlanta odds, predictions, and best bets for this Week 18 matchup.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Odds
The Falcons are a three-point favorite against the Bucs per DraftKings Sportsbook, with an Over/Under set at 40.5 points.
The low total is in large part due to the expectation the Bucs will not play their starters for the entirety of the game and their inability to run the ball.
Take a look at the best Buccaneers odds and Falcons odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Implied Totals
Falcons 21.5, Buccaneers 18.5
The oddsmakers expect the Bucs to sit their starters and the Falcons to get the win at home.
The Bucs announced that they will play their starters in order to improve and get better at things, but the oddsmakers seem to believe that is not the case with the Falcons favored by three points.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Pick of the Day
Read more on this Buccaneers vs Falcons bet below.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Prediction
Falcons 21, Buccaneers 17
The Buccaneers have nothing left to play for this regular season but even so, are expected to play their starters against the Falcons. The question is how long and which ones?
The Falcons have started rookie Desmond Ridder in the last three games, and he’s played well completing 63.5% of his passes for 484 yards.
Another rookie, first-round pick Drake London, leads the team with 66 receptions, 746 yards, and four touchdowns.
A large part of the Bucs’ comeback win against the Panthers was Mike Evans and Tom Brady getting on the same page. Evans reeled in 10 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns.
Although the Bucs are planning to play their starters, it’s unlikely they’ll choose to play the whole game and will play it safe with injuries and not put too much on film for their playoff matchup.
Even with Brady and other key offensive players, this Bucs offense has had a ton of struggles. They’ve averaged the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL this season with just 76.4 yards per game.
The Bucs’ defense has had their struggle this season but against a young Falcons offense, they should be able to keep them off the board.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Bet Tips
Here are a few Buccaneers vs Falcons betting trends to consider before making your bets:
- Tampa Bay is 5-0 straight up (SU) in their last five games against Atlanta.
- Tampa Bay is 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games.
- Atlanta is 1-4 SU in their last five games.
- Atlanta is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.
Buccaneers vs Falcons Best Bets
Falcons +3 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Bucs struggle on offense and will look to refocus on the run game. With nothing to play for and the Bucs already locked in as the fourth seed in the NFC, Tampa chooses to play its starters but not for long.
The Falcons are able to win the game behind a couple of key rookie playmakers, and the struggles of the Bucs on offense.
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Under 41 Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Falcons’ offense isn’t anything special, and even against a Bucs defense that will likely look to get some new faces in there, they aren’t able to move the ball effectively.
The Bucs have said they’re going to play their starters, but even if they play them only for the first quarter or so, this game goes Under.
Soon you will be able to bet on the Buccaneers with these Florida sportsbooks!
Buccaneers vs Falcons Props
Check out the best Buccaneers vs Falcons player prop bets this week with our props comparison tool. Click on “Show More Games" below to find the Tampa Bay vs Atlanta game and see all of its prop bets.
