Falcons vs. Buccaneers Predictions, Picks, Odds and Best Bet for NFL Week 5: Can Baker Cook the Birds?

Week 5 of the NFL season begins Thursday night when the Atlanta Falcons host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC South matchup that could have significant playoff implications.

Oddsmakers expect the Falcons to be ahead by 1.5 points before kickoff. The over/under for the game is 43.5.

Falcons vs. Buccaneers prediction and best bet for NFL Week 5

• Buccaneers ML (+110 odds at FanDuel Sports Betting)
• Tyler Allgeier had 31.5 rushing yards (-115 odds at BetMGM sports betting)
• Chris Godwin for 64.5 yards (-113 on FanDuel Sports Betting)

*Quotations are valid from October 2nd, 2024

Thursday night games have a poor reputation in terms of matchup quality, but this Week 5 contest should be exciting. Both teams have put in some good performances and there is a lot at stake heading into this game.

While Atlanta has proven to be a very competitive ball club, both teams have proven this. However, the Buccaneers have made good progress and I think their currently healthy offense will play a key role in securing victory.

However, the Falcons have a chance, and to give themselves the best chance, they will need to take advantage of Tampa's struggling run defense.

With Bijan Robinson suffering a hamstring injury during a short week of rest, look for Allgeier to get more runs and surpass his 31.5-yard rushing line (-115 rate). BetMGM sports betting).

Expect Mayfield to be a focal point of the game plan on Tampa's side. So I expect strong performances from Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. But so far, Godwin has been the main target. So he should also be able to surpass his total.

Buccaneers vs. Falcons Moneyline Odds Analysis

Why the Falcons could win as favorites

Best odds: -125 at DraftKings Sportsbook

After a tough Week 1 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Atlanta Falcons have put together three strong weeks to establish themselves as a legitimate playoff contender and strong contender for the NFC South throne.

Offensively, Kirk Cousins ​​has shaken up the rust and started to find his rhythm with Drake London and Darnell Mooney. While the backfield tandem of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier maintains a good balance to keep opponents guessing.

When it comes to defense, they operate according to a principle that should not be broken. While the secondary could improve, the team has only allowed 21.3 points per game, ranking in the top half of the league.

As the season progresses, things should continue to improve on both sides of the football as there is plenty of potential for both units.

Why the Buccaneers could win as underdogs

Best odds: +110 um FanDuel Sports Betting

Last week was a great rebound performance for Tampa Bay after the team suffered an embarrassing loss to the Broncos in Week 3. But a 33-16 win over the Eagles on Thursday should inspire more confidence.

Tampa's main business on offense is to use Chris Godwin as a safety valve, while the defense ends up focusing too much on that and allowing the other players to make splash plays.

Luckily, the Falcons have a habit of allowing the opposing team's top wideouts to produce, as the secondary has given up an average of 89.5 yards to the opposing team's top target. Godwin's over/under for the evening is 64.5 (-113). FanDuel Sports Betting), look for the Bucs to break that number.

Additionally, the Bucs' pass rush has yielded 13 sacks over the past two weeks. If they can put that pressure on Cousins, it could help them make some mistakes that turn the game in their favor.