Falcons Bucs Spread
-Brad Marchetti
For being touted as the worst team in the NFL in most early predictions, the Atlanta Falcons, led by RB Michael Turner are opening some eyes. This week in the Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match-up Turner, and rookie QB Matt Ryan, will need to prove their authenticity. The Tampa Bay Bucs are trying to avoid an 0-2 start so they will be playing with some passion at home. Tampa QB Jeff Garcia will be sitting on the sidelines for this one, leaving the job up to backup Brian Griese. The NFL betting odds for the Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game is Tampa -8.
Despite being asked to be a “game manager” (Aka. not a playmaker) Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, knows how to sling the rock around. In his second career start the Falcons will go to a conservative approach against an above-average Tampa-2 defense. Atlanta Falcon RB Michael Turner ( 4.40 40-time) poked holes in Detroit’s defense last week for 220 yards and, he will be asked to do the playmaking until Ryan develops. Tampa Bay still has speed on defense but they lack a true passing rushing threat so Ryan, could have time to find his talented wideouts. The Buccaneers will be playing without their leader on the defense in this one linebacker Derrick Brooks, because of a pulled right hamstring. The NFL betting odds TOTAL for the Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers is at 37.5 points.
Jeff Garcia will be benched for backup Brian Griese, a decision by coach Jon Gruden. Whether or not that decision will pay off or not remains to be seen. Griese is not a good QB when he has to move his feet and Atlanta’s DE John Abraham, can be a swarming prescence. Garcia runs the Buccaneers offense very well and Griese replacing him could be a mistake. Tampa’s West-Coast offense will try and hurt a Falcons defense that was 29th in the NFL last season. The Tampa 1-2 combo of Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn looks to make this a top-10 rushing unit this season. Tampa has a nice line upfront that could make for trench warfare against an improving Falcons D-line. The Tampa Bay Bucs beat up on the Falcons by a combined score of 68-10 last season so look for some Atlanta defenders to play with some heart in this divisional battle.
Atlanta will need Matt Ryan to keep doing what he is doing. Tampa Bay has a serious running game and Atlanta still needs to prove they can stop the run.
NFL Betting Odds Edges:
ATL are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games on grass.
Tampa Bay won by an average of 34 points in 2 meeting last season
Over is 8-0 in ATL last 8 games overall
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