The NFC South has hosted some of the worst football of 2014. The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to break that trend on Sunday.
NFL picks and predictions, Falcons vs. Buccaneers 2014: Experts leaning towards Atlanta
Two bad teams meet to determine who is worse.
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The Falcons haven't won a game since the last time they played Tampa back in Week 3. They nearly won two weeks ago in London, but a second-half meltdown led by quarterback Matt Ryan allowed the Detroit Lions to take the lead on the final play of the game. The string of losses has created the impression that head coach Mike Smith will not retain his job, barring a miracle playoff berth.
As for the Buccaneers, their lone win this season came via a fourth-quarter comeback over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tampa took two other games to overtime, but never got possession of the football. Because of their struggles, head coach Lovie Smith has alternated between Josh McCown and Mike Glennon at quarterback. It will be McCown under center this weekend against Atlanta.
Most experts are picking the Falcons this week. They were selected by six of the eight CBS Sports panel members.
CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco had this to say about the game:
The Falcons are coming off the bye at 2-6, but still alive in the division. A loss here would end it. Tampa Bay is struggling on defense, and they are ranked 31st in pass defense. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones light them up.
Here at SB Nation, five of our seven experts are leaning towards the Falcons.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford | Joel Thorman | ||
| ATL vs. TB | ATL | ATL | ATL | TB | ATL | ATL | ATL | TB |
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