Sport

Ultimate Betting Guide for Thursday Night Football: Buccaneers vs. Falcons

2024-10-03

Author: Wai

As Week 5 of the NFL season approaches, football fans are gearing up for an exciting NFC South showdown on "Thursday Night Football." The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) will visit the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) at 8:15 p.m. ET, streaming live on Prime Video.

Both teams enter this contest riding high on recent victories. The Buccaneers managed to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Falcons clinched a dramatic win against the New Orleans Saints with a nail-biting 58-yard field goal as time expired.

Initially, the Falcons were favored by 2.5 points, but the betting line has since tightened to just 1.5 points as of now. The current odds for the Buccaneers to win the NFC South sit at +185, while the Falcons are slightly edged at +160. Last season, both teams split their matchups, with each securing a win on the other's turf.

Game Lines Overview:

- **Spread:** Falcons -1.5 - **Money Line:** Falcons (-125), Buccaneers (+105) - **Over/Under:** 43.5 points - **First-half Spread:** Falcons -0.5 (+102), Buccaneers +0.5 (-125)

Team Insights:

Expect an intriguing matchup as the Buccaneers aim to continue their strong season. With key players facing injuries, Tampa Bay could potentially rely on lesser-used roles, creating opportunities for gains. On the other hand, the Falcons are looking to capitalize on their home advantage.

Player Props to Watch:

**Passing Yards:** - Baker Mayfield: 249.5 (Over +105/Under -135) - Kirk Cousins: 224.5 (Over -125/Under -105) **Rushing Yards:** - Bijan Robinson: 69.5 (Over +110/Under -140) - Rachaad White: 34.5 (Over +100/Under -130) **Receiving Yards:** - Chris Godwin: 69.5 (Over -110/Under -120) - Mike Evans: 59.5 (Over -130/Under +100)

Expert Betting Insights:

ESPN Analyst Anita Marks recommends betting on the **Buccaneers-Falcons UNDER 43.5** (-105) given both teams' sluggish offensive starts this season. Historically, prime-time games have seen lower scoring, with the current trend showing 8-7 for unders this season.

Also, keep an eye on Bucky Irving for an **anytime touchdown (+140)** as his role in the backfield is increasing, evidenced by his equal carries compared to Rachaad White in the previous game.

Marks is bullish on Chris Godwin and Cade Otton to surpass their receiving yard totals, especially given the Falcons' struggles against slot receivers.

Betting Trends You Need To Know:

- The Buccaneers are 9-1 against the spread (ATS) on the road since last season. - The Falcons have struggled at home, sitting at 0-3 ATS this season. - Twelve of the last 16 matchups between these teams have exceeded the total points. - Historically, the Falcons have yet to see success in prime-time games, with 13 consecutive games falling under the total since 2017.

With both teams eager to establish momentum, this matchup promises to deliver drama and excitement. Remember to analyze the latest injury reports before placing your bets and enjoy a thrilling Friday morning filled with the beautiful chaos of NFL football!