Falcons vs. Buccaneers 2016 picks and predictions: Experts going with Atlanta

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hardly looked like a team capable of competing for a playoff spot this season, but due to the weakness of the NFC South around them, Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons carries heavy significance.

Even the 2-5 Carolina Panthers are in the running for the division, and that's saying something. But while the Buccaneers, at 3-4, can take a big step by beating the Falcons, so too can Atlanta take a hold on the division with a win. The Falcons are 5-3 on the season, and coming off a big win over the Green Bay Packers, in which Matt Ryan successfully outdueled Aaron Rodgers in an offensive showcase.

Now it will be up to Jameis Winston to try to guide the Buccaneers to a series sweep of Atlanta this season. The Falcons don't have a good defense, and that works in Winston's favor, but Ryan has shredded even good defenses this seasons and keeping up with him is a tough ask.

While the Falcons beat the Packers, the Buccaneers were on the losing end of a ridiculous game against the Oakland Raiders. Tampa Bay's defense was routinely dominated by Derek Carr and his receivers, but the Raiders kept shooting themselves in the foot, setting an NFL record for penalties in a single game. Still, they came away with the overtime win, and the Buccaneers had a winning streak snapped.