After a rough Monday Night Football showing, the Buccaneers are 2.5-point underdogs (on FanDuel) against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. Atlanta is coming off a lame loss to the Seahawks but put up epic offensive numbers in a shootout win on October 3 vs the Bucs.
With Chris Godwin out for the season and Mike Evans likely unavailable, the sportsbooks have the Falcons vs Buccaneers Week 8 odds just right. But that doesn't mean we can't find some good bets for this matchup.
Falcons vs Buccaneers Odds Week 8
As of October 22nd at FanDuel
Falcons vs Buccaneers Picks Week 8
OVER 45.5 Points
Okay, I'm not just picking this because the total went OVER in the first meeting between these two squads. While that game offers a good benchmark for offensive chaos, it's the Bucs' vulnerable defense that got me thinking.
In Week 5, Kirk Cousins threw for over 500 yards against Tampa, setting a Falcons franchise record. Since then, the Bucs defense has still struggled vs the pass, surrendering an average of 321 yards, the second-worst mark in the league during that span. Cousins, with all his weapons, is primed for a big day.
And on the other side, Baker Mayfield is down his top two targets, but he can yield to the run game, especially after Rachaad White had a massive performance in Week 7. The Falcons are no defensive darlings either, allowing an average of 137 rushing yards per game.
Falcons vs Buccaneers Prop Pick
Bijan Robinson OVER 65.5 Rushing Yards (-135)
I expect the Bucs' defense vulnerability to open all kinds of lanes through the air and on the ground. You can bet Tampa will make adjustments on coverage so Captain Kirk doesn't toss for 500+ again, meaning Bijan will get his fair share of touches on the ground.
Secondly, we're seeing Robinson finally build some momentum. He has received at least 15 carries in two straight contests, during which he has cashed this OVER prop with statlines of 95 and 103 yards, respectively.
Falcons vs Buccaneers News
The Bucs were dealt a massive blow when Godwin went down. A veteran on this team and amid a fantastic season, Godwin will be sorely missed, most of all by Mayfield, who could also operate without Evans in Week 8. That'll be the top story. We need to see how this Bucs offense responds because their defense certainly isn't doing the trick.
Falcons vs Buccaneers Betting Trends
- The total has gone OVER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 13 games against Atlanta.
- The OVER is 4-1 in Tampa Bay's last five games.
- The Falcons are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against Tampa Bay.