NFC South Battle Brewing As Falcons Host Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4 SU, 7-6 ATS, 6-7 O/U) and the Atlanta Falcons (8-5 SU, 8-5 ATS, 6-7 O/U) are both coming off losses in Week 14 while failing to cover the spread for BetOnline NFL gambling backers.

The NFC South rivals will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at the Georgia Dome as they make their respective pushes toward a possible playoff appearance.

While quarterback Jeff Garcia completed 24 of 38 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns, the Buccaneers lost to the Carolina Panthers 38-23 as a 3-point road underdog in the BetOnline Sportsbook on Monday.

Simply put, the Buccaneers were bowled over by the Panthers powerful rushing attack. Panthers backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart rushed for 186 and 115 yards respectively, each scoring two touchdowns.

"We’ve played very well defensively and last night, hopefully we can use that as some motivation as we finish the season," Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden said Tuesday. "We missed more tackles than we had missed probably all season. Again, I’m not going to stand up here and make excuses. I’ll take responsibility for it. We’ve got to do much better."

The Falcons lost to the New Orleans 29-25 in a thriller as a 3-point road underdog last week. Quarterback Matt Ryan completed 24 of 33 passes for 315 yards with one touchdown and an interception as well as a TD scamper while running back Michael Turner rushed for 61 yards and one score on 18 carries.

"Obviously we’re frustrated with the outcome,” Ryan said. “But this team hasn’t given up all year. … We still have everything that we want in front of us. We’re capable of getting into the playoffs."

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Pick.

The total has gone OVER in 9 of Tampa Bay’s last 11 games on the road

Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta

Tampa Bay is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta

Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

Atlanta is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta’s last 10 games at home

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta’s last 11 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

NFL Odds

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 -110

Atlanta Falcons -3 -110

Over 44½ -110

Under 44½ -110

Analysis: NFC South teams have been going bonkers playing at home this season and I don’t expect this contest to be much different between two almost evenly matched teams.

I’m thinking this contest has ‘Classic field goal’ game written all over it. Take the Falcons minus the points to be on the safe side.

NFL Free Picks: Atlanta -3 Points