2024-25 NFL Week 5 Match Preview - Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta: Can the Falcons swoop down the Bucs at home? October 3, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

In Week 5 of the 2024-25 NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face off against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, October 3, at 8:15 p.m. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. This pivotal NFC South matchup promises to deliver high intensity, as both teams are eager to secure a win and improve their standings in the tightly contested division.

The Buccaneers, boasting a 3-1 record, come into the game riding high after a dominant 33-16 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, the Falcons, sitting at 2-2, are coming off a dramatic last-minute victory against the New Orleans Saints. This game marks Tampa Bay's first prime-time appearance of the season, adding extra significance to their performance.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons Sports Bet Odds

The Falcons are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Falcons are favored by 1 point, with a money line of -123.
• The Buccaneers are the underdogs by 1 point, with a money line of +103.
• The over/under is set at 44 points, with the over at -105 and the under at -115.

Tampa Bay will look to build on their strong start, having won three of their first four games. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been in fine form, with a passer rating of 106.9 and eight touchdown passes. On the other hand, the Falcons, under new leadership and sporting several roster changes, are still seeking consistency despite showing promising flashes.

For the Buccaneers, Mayfield will play a key role in leading the offense against a tough Falcons defense anchored by veteran safeties Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons, along with stout interior linemen Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata. Atlanta, led by new quarterback Kirk Cousins, will rely heavily on his ability to spark the offense in this crucial clash.

Week 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons Injury Report

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Jalen McMillan	WR	Out
Trey Palmer	WR	Out
Calijah Kancey	DT	Out
Antonio Winfield Jr.	S	Out
Luke Goedeke	OT	Out

Atlanta Falcons

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Jase McClellan	RB	Questionable
Troy Andersen	LB	Out
Drew Dalman	C	IR
Nate Landman	LB	IR
Milo Eifler	LB	IR

Both teams face distinct challenges heading into the game. Tampa Bay will need to adjust quickly to the short week, manage travel, and contend with injuries to key players like All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. The Falcons, under new head coach Raheem Morris, are aiming to make the most of their home-field advantage and capitalize on their retooled roster.

The Buccaneers-Falcons rivalry has been closely contested over the years, with their all-time series reflecting the competitive nature of these matchups. Last season, the teams split their meetings, underscoring just how evenly matched they are. With both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the NFC South, this game promises to be a true test of rivalry and determination.

While the outcome could swing either way, if Tampa Bay can sustain their momentum and key players perform as expected, they may edge out the Falcons in what is sure to be an exciting and closely fought contest.

2024-25 Comparative Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons Stats

Tampa Bay Buccaneers		Atlanta Falcons
24.3	Points Per Game	18.8
223.0	Passing Yards Per Game	206.5
96.0	Rushing Yards Per Game	102.8
8	Total Sacks	4
2	Total Interceptions	3