Get ready for a crunch game as Atlanta Falcons take on Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a crucial NFC South matchup. With both teams vying for the top place in the division, this game is going to be a hard-fought battle with playoff implications.
Date and Time
Date: Sunday, December 10, 2023
Time: 18:00
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Head-to-Head Overview
Remarkably, the sixty games between the Falcons and Bucs have produced 30 wins each. In recent years, things have been equally as tight, with 6 wins each in the last 12 encounters. When the teams met earlier this season, Atlanta emerged 16-13 winners in a low scoring contest.
Team Performance Analysis
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ recent form has been mixed, but with key wins against the Jets and the Saints in their last two games, Arthur Smith’s team looks to be gaining momentum at the right time. Question marks still persist over the form of Desmond Ridder at QB, but the young signal caller will once again get the start.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have been inconsistent lately, with losses against the Colts and 49ers. However, a recent win over the Panthers shows their potential to bounce back. Stronger offensive performances in recent weeks have raised expectations among fans, QB Baker Mayfield is enjoying a solid season and the likes of Mike Evans are coming into form at the right time.
Injury Report
Atlanta Falcons Injuries
The Falcons welcomed Mike Hughes and Mack Hollins back to full practice this week, but still have doubts over a number of players. In particular, injuries to starting cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Jeff Okudah could severely impact Smith’s options for Sunday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injuries
The Buccaneers have injury concerns as well with key players such as Jamel Dean, Devin White, and Lavonte David listed as questionable. Their absence could affect the team’s defensive performance.
Betting Odds
With both teams fighting for the top spot, this is widely expected to be a tight and tense contest. The bookmakers have the Falcons as slight favorites at around 17/20, with the Bucs slightly behind at 11/10.
Conclusion
We’ve reached the business end of the Regular Season, and the stakes could not be higher for both teams. Victory for the Falcons would put them in pole position to win the NFC South and give them a two game lead over their rivals with just four games remaining. But if the Bucs can pull off a victory, they would join Atlanta on six wins.
