1:00 pm
December 30

Falcons @ Buccaneers

Who will WIN this matchup?

Atlanta Falcons (6-9)

@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-10)

 

Current odds:

Atlanta Falcons: (-135)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (+115)

 

• The line for the game is Atlanta by 2.5 points.

• Injuries have played a part in Atlanta’s downfall this year, but they also opened up opportunities for others to step up, as evidenced by a 115-yard effort by little-used running back Brian Hill in last week’s 24-10 victory at Carolina. “It was exciting,” Hill told reporters of his breakout performance. “I was excited all week knowing I was going to get a chance to run the ball. I started out a little shaky out there, but I’m happy I could turn it around.” Jones needs 11 catches to reach 700 for his career but has been hampered by hip and ribs injuries this week and is questionable for the finale.

• There has been increased scrutiny on Koetter as the losses have piled up, but quarterback Jameis Winston came to his coach’s defense heading into the finale. “I’ve learned a lot from Coach Koetter,” Winston, who threw for 336 yards and a TD in last week’s 27-20 loss at Dallas, told reporters Thursday. “He’s an incredible coach and he’s an incredible man. He’s helped develop me to do some incredible things as a quarterback. But at the end of the day, we’ve gotta focus on Atlanta.” There have been reports that Koetter has clashed with wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who reportedly wants to sign elsewhere this offseason.

• Atlanta has won four straight meetings while averaging 33.8 points.

5/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Atlanta Falcons
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