With a Thursday Night time Soccer battle looming, how are we feeling about an Atlanta Falcons victory?

I’ll let you know how we’re feeling. The workers weighed in with rating predictions (we welcome yours!), and also you’ll discover our optimistic-about-a-close-victory takes under.

Falcons 27, Buccaneers 24

One other stupidly shut divisional matchup, full of equal elements intrigue and frustration. I waffled on choosing the Falcons on this one, however the Bucs are due for a letdown staggering round with as many accidents as they’ve and recent off a giant highway win towards the Eagles. On the highway once more, on a brief week, and in primetime towards an opponent with plenty of new faces, I believe Tampa Bay can have a festive pumpkin of an effort from Baker Mayfield and sufficient struggles containing Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson to lose this one.

And sure, anticipate a Kirk Cousins interception that shouldn’t be, one other week of Kyle Pitts query marks, a few lengthy Bucky Irving runs towards this protection that by no means ought to have occurred, and a brief go to Rachaad White that goes for miles due to missed tackles. The Falcons like to play the hits, however we received’t complain that a lot at 3-2. —Dave Choate

Falcons 24, Buccaneers 23

A brief week that includes two risky groups with quarterbacks which have full confidence of their arms, regardless if a throwing window exists, is sure to be chaotic. Tampa Bay has been vastly spectacular, notably defensively with Todd Bowles elevating a unit full of query marks. He’ll crank up his signature array of blitzes to disrupt Kirk Cousins’ rhythm. It’s going to be a problem for Zac Robinson who has already squared off with one Tremendous Bowl-winning defensive mastermind in Steve Spagnuolo. That is troublesome to foretell, however the Falcons have the extra proficient roster, and the quarterback much less more likely to make a catastrophic error. Falcons win one other nailbiter as Jessie Bates will get the game-sealing interception. – Allen Strk

Falcons 31, Buccaneers 27

Going into Week 5, I believe it’s fairly clear that the Buccaneers have been the higher workforce. Tampa Bay can be inconsistent, fairly banged up, and coping with the dreaded Thursday evening highway recreation. The stats aren’t sort on this state of affairs: the Bucs have an uphill battle. Atlanta’s offense, which has been tantalizingly near coming collectively over the previous two weeks, should put forth their finest effort of the 12 months to maintain tempo with Tampa Bay. I believe the Falcons handle it, as October Kirk arrives simply in time to carry the Falcons over the Bucs in a shootout. —Kevin Knight

Falcons 27, Buccaneers 24

Division matchup with Atlanta coming off of a extremely emotional victory on Sunday and in danger for a letdown only a few days later, and Tampa Bay having to journey for a Thursday evening highway recreation. Let’s get loopy. The Bucs have actually impressed me up to now this season however they’re going right into a logistical drawback and with some huge accidents on their roster. Atlanta’s offense has been underwhelming (placing it mildly) however even their Desmond Ridder/Arthur Smith led offense final season managed to maneuver the ball virtually at will towards this similar Bucs protection in each video games (they only shot themselves within the foot on the finish of drives). The protection must get some strain on Baker Mayfield, who continues his renaissance, however I believe the secondary (which has seemed nice) makes sufficient performs and Atlanta wins with one other Younghoe Koo kick late. —Adnan Ikic

Falcons 27, Buccaneers 23

Are you able to imagine that is the third Falcons primetime recreation of the 12 months and that there’s extra to go? Tampa Bay is coming to city, and the Falcons have a golden alternative earlier than them. With a win, Atlanta can take an early lead within the division and set themselves as much as have a fruitful October.

Atlanta received’t have Troy Andersen, however the Buccaneers are coping with many accidents of their very own. Thursday Night time Soccer is often a chaotic product the place you may get among the finest and worst soccer all in the identical recreation. The Falcons’ offense will lastly begin to click on as we get October Kirk Cousins, and I believe Atlanta will outduel their division opponents. —Tre’Shon Diaz