ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
In this week’s edition of Thursday Night Football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) will head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons (2-2) in a divisional matchup.
Building Momentum
Both teams enter this contest with momentum from the previous week. The Buccaneers dominated the Eagles at home 33-16 in a well-needed bounce back from the week prior, when they were blown out at home by the then-winless Broncos. Now, they hope to keep it going and begin divisional play with a win. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is off to the best start of his six-year career, while veteran receiver Mike Evans became the team’s all-time leading scorer last week.
Mike Evans is the all-time scoring leader in Bucs franchise history 🏴☠️https://t.co/LAV6TkC2GP pic.twitter.com/ZU9pdba77i
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) September 29, 2024
The Tampa Bay defense has been middle-of-the-road in most yardage categories but ranks 9th in the league in scoring.
As for the Falcons, they defeated the New Orleans Saints 26-24 in dramatic fashion last week with a 58-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo in the game’s dying seconds. Marquee free agent signing Kirk Cousins has been shaky to begin the season but also led two game-winning drives against the Saints and the Eagles.
Keys to the Game
Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson has been held to a combined 59 yards in the last two games, but the Buccaneers run defense is ranked 22nd in the NFL. That matchup will be key throughout the night.
Another important factor will be if the Falcons can contain the explosive Buccaneer passing attack. Mayfield praised Atlanta safeties Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons in a Tuesday press conference, saying that they’ve “seen it all” and “have really good ball skills.” If the Falcons hope to win, they’ll need to keep Evans and Chris Godwin in check and eliminate big plays.
Through the first four weeks, every Falcons game has ended within a one-score margin. That streak is expected to continue, as Atlanta are 2.5-point favorites over Tampa Bay. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video.
