Falcons Buccaneers Betting – Falcons Leave Atlanta For NFC South Showdown At Tampa
After finishing last season with a combined 24-8 record, and each making improvements to their respective rosters throughout the sports betting offseason, both the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were projected to be contenders in the NFC once again this year. With both teams facing the possibility of sliding to 0-2 to start the season, the Falcons and Buccaneers each responded with 14 unanswered fourth quarter points to seal comeback victories in their respective games and earn their first win of the new season. But with an NFC South showdown looming this Sunday at Tampa Bay, only one team will have the chance to continue pushing forward, the other will suffer another setback and fall to 1-2.
- Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Sunday September 25, 2010 – 4:15 PM ET
- Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida
NFL Betting Lines: Atlanta Falcons – 1
Both teams will be coming off of emotional comeback wins, and it will be interesting to see whether those victories provide the enthusiasm and confidence to parlay in to an even stronger effort this week, or whether there is a letdown.
NFL Betting Preview: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons overcame one of their toughest challenges both on and off the field this season, with a crucial win over Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles to avoid consecutive losses to open the season. Atlanta has always been a fan of Vick, and a loss to their former Pro Bowl quarterback would have undoubtedly put Falcons’ fans on edge. Trailing 31-21 in the final frame, Matt Ryan and the offense responded with consecutive touchdowns, including a three-yard rushing score from running back Michael Turner with under five minutes to play. Ryan finished with 195 yards and four touchdowns, while Turner rushed for 114 yards to help pace the offense. Defensively, the Falcons bent, but after Vick left the game injured they held their ground to seal the win.
NFL Betting Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trailing the Minnesota Vikings 17-0 at the half, the Buccaneers stormed back with 24 second-half points, including a four-yard touchdown run from running back LaGarrette Blount to seal the victory. By now fans in the Tampa Bay area have to be familiar with the team’s ability to provide thrilling comeback wins such as this one, as quarterback Josh Freeman has now locked up eight of his 14 career victories with the Buccaneers coming back to punch the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter or overtime. Freeman threw for 243 yards and a score, but also had an interception in the win and will need to focus on his decision-making going forward. The running game was the biggest difference for Tampa Bay as the game wore on, as Blount ran for an average of 5.5 yards per carry and scored twice to pace the offense.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
Both of these teams are better off when they are rushing the ball and using the running game to open things up through the air. The Falcons may have the more talented offense, but they will need to come together defensively after an emotional sportsbook promo Sunday night win now that they have to travel to hostile territory and face a tough NFC South rival in Tampa Bay.
NFL Betting Pick: Atlanta Falcons - 1
