The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons will put first place in the NFC South on the line in Week Eight, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on October 27 at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers are looking to split the series after the Falcons took a 36-30 overtime decision in Atlanta in Week Five. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
NFL analysts across the country have weighed in on this important battle with their picks for Week Eight. Among the concerns surrounding the Buccaneers that influenced their picks are the team's injuries at wide receiver and the short week of preparation after a Monday night game. One expert noted that the Falcons have a shot at their first 4-0 start in division play since 2002. Those that do side with the Buccaneers think they will lean on their recently revived rushing attack and a strong pass rush. One analyst noted that safety Antoine Winfield Jr. didn't play in the first meeting between these two teams, and his return could impact the availability of the middle of the field to Kirk Cousins.
Said one analyst:
"For me, this game will be more about how the Buccaneers respond to the loss of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. They'll either fold or embrace the underdog role and come out swinging. I think we'll see the latter, at least for a week."
The Buccaneers are 2.5-point underdogs at home, most likely due to the injuries suffered by Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. A majority of the experts think that line makes sense. Here's what some of them are saying:
NFL.com – Bucs get just one nod out of five analysts
ESPN.com – Two of three experts side with the Falcons
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco thinks the Bucs' defense will step up in a tough game
USA Today – It's a six-for-six sweep for Atlanta
Bleacher Report – Eight experts hash it out and three pick the Buccaneers
Pro Football Talk – Mike Florio sides with the Buccaneers, Chris Simms does not
Sports Illustrated – Bucs draw just one pick out of six
Sporting News – Bill Bender trusts Baker Mayfield at home
