Buccaneers @ Falcons betting picks & odds | NFL Week 5 preview

Buccaneers @ Falcons best bets

NFL Thursday preview: Buccaneers @ Falcons

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be looking to extend their strong start to the 2024 NFL season when they face the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night in an AFC South matchup to kick off Week 5.

Last Sunday, three touchdowns from quarterback Baker Mayfield led the Bucs to a 17-point win over the Philadelphia Eagles. After scoring the first 24 points of the game, Tampa Bay held control on offense and managed to force two turnovers on defense.

That result took the Bucs’ record to 3-1 for the season. Todd Bowles’ defense ranks top 10 in the NFL, while Mayfield has thrown for the second-most touchdowns this year. Despite this, they are slight underdogs for this clash at +105 with Bovada.

With the short turnaround, there are some injury concerns for Tampa Bay. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr (foot), defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (calf), linebacker SirVocea Dennis (shoulder) and receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) did not participate in Tuesday training.

Atlanta also won in Week 4, beating the New Orleans Saints by two points. In a thrilling matchup, the Falcons’ defense and special teams both found the endzone, covering for struggling quarterback Kirk Cousins once again. Kicker Younghoe Koo was the hero, booting a 58-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to secure the win.

It has been a slow start for the Atlanta offense. As one of the worst-performing rushing teams in the NFL, the Falcons rank bottom 10 for total points scored. However, each of their four games have been decided by one score or less, and with the home-field advantage, they are slender favourites at -125 with top online bookmakers.

Unlike the Bucs, Atlanta have just one player in doubt this week, as linebacker Troy Andersen has not participated in practice due to a knee injury.

Buccaneers @ Falcons NFL Week 5 predictions

Given their explosive offense, it is hard to look past the Bucs. Although the Falcons have kept games close, Cousins is yet to find his rhythm, while the rushing game has barely been a factor. As road underdogs, back Tampa Bay to secure the win at +105.

Despite their struggles, Atlanta’s last three games have all gone over the total points line. As they face Tampa Bay’s top-10 offense, this has the potential to turn into a shootout. Back this game to go over 43.5 points at -111.11 with leading NFL bookmakers.

While his passing game gets plenty of plaudits, Baker Mayfield also offers a hint of danger in the running game. He scrambles for over 15 yards a game and has already found the endzone twice with his legs. At +550 with top football betting sites, the Tampa Bay QB offers excellent value to score a touchdown.

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