BucsGameday Staff Score Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers At Atlanta Falcons

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will try to win their second consecutive division game when the team travels to face off with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon. After taking down the Carolina Panthers last weekend, the Buccaneers have a chance to move back into control of the NFC South with a victory in the Peach State.

The Falcons are 6-6 overall and have won two straight games entering the matchup with the Buccaneers. Atlanta has leaned on its defense over the past two weeks and is 5-0 when holding the opposing team to less than 20 points. When they surrender more than 20 points, they're 1-6.

The Buccaneers will need someone to step up on defense with linebacker Devin White and cornerback Jamel Dean out once again. Star defensive lineman Vita Vea is questionable, as is linebacker KJ Britt, who was carted off the field last weekend.

How to Watch Buccaneers at Falcons: Kickoff Time, TV Channel and Odds

Our staff provides their predictions and analysis as the Buccaneers prepare to take on the Falcons in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Dustin Lewis (@DustinLewisNG)

Even though Tampa Bay defeated Carolina last weekend, it wasn't a very convincing win as the team had to hold on against the worst squad in the league down the stretch of the game. With that being said, you've got to wonder if the chance to take the lead in the division will give the Buccaneers an extra spark in Atlanta.

The key in this game will be Tampa Bay's offense. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and his unit need to find success and get in a rhythm early on in the contest. During their last meeting, the team only scored six points over the final three quarters. Atlanta has struggled to keep pace with opposing offenses at times and putting together some methodical drives could be a big boost to a shorthanded Buccaneers' defense.

I'm expecting this to be a closely contested game as the result could very well decide which team from the NFC South earns an automatic bid to the playoffs. I don't feel very great about it but I'm going to roll with the Buccaneers winning their second consecutive game to inch back closer to .500 on the season.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 7-5

Buccaneers 16, Falcons 10

Logan Robinson (@LogansTwitty)

The Buccaneers barely hung on last Sunday to beat a very bad Carolina Panthers team and I’m expecting this one once again to be a tough game on the road. Tampa Bay has to leave Atlanta with a win with a true shot of making the playoffs and getting a hold of the top of the division. I think the Bucs keep it competitive but the Falcons win in the end.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 7-5

Falcons 24, Buccaneers 18

David Harrison (@DHarrison82)

The Falcons beat the Bucs last time out, but the Bucs certainly helped. Baker Mayfield has developed a habit of doing that recently, but I think this might be a rebound opportunity for him. Chris Godwin catches two touchdowns and the Buccaneers take first place in the NFC South.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 6-6

Buccaneers 26, Falcons 21

Collin Haalboom (@SI_Buccaneers)

The battle for top spot in the NFC South comes down to an underwhelming matchup between the Bucs (5-7) and the Falcons (6-6). Although the Buccaneers will be without several key players in this game, the same scenario exists for the Falcons.

Both teams have some impressive weapons on offense, but I think the quarterback who is able to best utilize those weapons will be the one to prevail in this contest. Despite his flaws, I think Baker Mayfield is more equipped to achieve this than Desmond Ridder.

It won't be an easy task though as Atlanta's defense has been rock solid as of late. I expect this one to be close, but I think the Bucs come out on top.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 7-5

Buccaneers 21, Falcons 17

Caleb Skinner (@chsnole)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a much-needed win against the Panthers last week and once again will have a must-win game against an NFC South opponent if they hope to keep their chances of winning the division alive. The Bucs currently sit in 2nd place in the division and with a win their chances of making the playoffs greatly increases, while with a loss they will practically be eliminated. The Bucs gave away a game to this same Falcons team earlier in the season at home and will look for revenge in Atlanta.

The team is getting slightly more healthy and hopefully will have enough to be able to walk into Mercedes-Benz Stadium and come out with a victory. After all the discussion surrounding WR Chris Godwin and his usage this week, look for the offense to involve him heavily on Sunday. The Bucs will even the season series and come out with a victory.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 6-6

Buccaneers 24, Falcons 21

JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL)

From here on out every game is a must-win game for the Buccaneers, but none of them loom as large as this week's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Win and you have the inside track to the NFC South division title. Lose and your playoff chances drop down to a dismal eight percent.

There's a lot on the line for players and coaches regarding their future with the team this week. Miss the playoffs and there are sure to be changes coming. With major injuries affecting the Falcons' trenches, the Bucs need to take advantage and continue to write their own destiny. It's going to be a close one but the Bucs somehow eek one out.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 9-3

Buccaneers 23, Falcons 20

Kade Kimble (@kadekimble)

The 6-6 NFC South-leading Falcons hosting the 5-7 Buccaneers just feels like a gross matchup incoming. It was a gross game when the two teams played in Tampa. Ultimately, Baker Mayfield will lead his squad to a much-needed win to tie the Falcons’ record this season.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 8-4

Buccaneers 19, Falcons 14

Ben Meyerson (@ByBenMeyerson)

This game will likely decide who wins the pitiful NFC South this year. The Falcons defense has been very good this year and they were able to limit the Bucs offense to 13 points in Tampa. I expect that unit to have another good outing but Tampa to put up more points and do a much better job of moving the ball.

On the other side of the ball, the Falcons offense is up and down, but very turnover prone. I expect Todd Bowles to take advantage of that and get Desmond Ridder at least once, the big question is will it be enough to hold them off? With the injuries to the Buccaneers defense, I don't think it will.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 7-5

Falcons 24, Buccaneers 20

Cody Haynes (@codyh33)

This week is going to be a huge week for the Bucs. Playing not only a divisional rival, but the divisional rival that holds the tiebreaker. If the Bucs lose, their playoff hopes drop dramatically. If the Bucs win, there’s a good chance they can win the division. Last week there were times when this team looked good but also times when they looked sloppy.

Defensively, having David and Dennis back should help, but Dean and White remain out for this matchup against the Falcons. Vita Vea will be a game-time decision, hopefully, he’s out there against a mean Atlanta rushing attack that will surely utilize their rookie running back Bijan Robinson more than the last time these two teams met. Offensively, the Bucs need to continue to find ways to get Evans, Godwin and White the ball, especially in space.

The Falcons' defense is pretty banged up, so I would expect a better look offensively this time around. If Mayfield has a good game, I think the Bucs pull off the win.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 4-4 (joined in middle of season)

Buccaneers 24, Falcons 21

Matthew Hewitt (@BucsTrackerNFL)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are fighting for the NFC South and if they want to win it, this week is crucial. The Bucs should be able to beat the Falcons if they can lessen some of their mistakes and just play decent football.

2023 Season Prediction Record: 4-4 (joined in middle of season)

Buccaneers 20, Falcons 17

CONSENSUS: Buccaneers (8-2)

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage, news and analysis throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook

Add us as a preferred source on Google