It wasn't all that long ago when the Atlanta Falcons were 5-0 and appeared destined for a playoff berth. But since then, they've dropped five of their last six games and are currently on the outside of the NFC playoff picture.
NFL picks and predictions, Falcons vs. Buccaneers 2015: Tampa expected to win divisional grudge match
This is a crucial game for two teams that are jockeying for position in the crowded NFC Wild Card picture.
Atlanta’s offense has struggled mightily over the last month and a half, failing to eclipse the 21-point mark since Oct. 11. Matt Ryan’s poor performance is largely to blame for that. He’s thrown six picks over his last four games, and he also leads the league with four red zone interceptions.
The quarterback on the other sideline Sunday, Jameis Winston, has seen his play go in the opposite direction. After throwing seven interceptions in the first four games of his NFL career -- including a three-pick performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4 -- Winston has thrown 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 4-3 over that stretch.
Sunday's matchup is a crucial game for the Falcons and Bucs, who are both grappling for positioning in the crowded NFC Wild Card picture. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses in Week 12: The Falcons dropped a game to the Minnesota Vikings and the Buccaneers fell to the Indianapolis Colts. Because of the way they've played as of late, Tampa Bay seems to be in better position to get back on track.
The Bucs squeaked by the Falcons in Week 10 when Winston led an impressive drive in overtime to set up a game-winning field goal. Tampa Bay was able to run the ball effectively in that game, amassing 117 yards on the ground. The Falcons have the ninth-ranked run defense in the league, but the Buccaneers are third in the league in rushing yards. Whichever team wins the battle on the ground will likely be in good shape Sunday.
Given Ryan’s recent struggles and the Buccaneers’ solid pass defense -- Lovie Smith’s Cover 2 defensive scheme has propelled them to 14th in the league against the pass -- Tampa Bay appears primed for its biggest win of the year Sunday. Six of our eight experts at SB Nation are picking the Bucs to be victorious and six of CBS’ analysts agree.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark | |
| ATL vs TB | TB | TB | ATL | TB | TB | ATL | TB | TB |
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