On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game that will decide first place in the NFC South. The Falcons saw their three-game winning streak end in Week 7, losing a 34-14 blowout to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Buccaneers are dealing with injuries to their top two offensive weapons and must find a way to put up points without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Week 8.
Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Check out our staff picks for Week 8 below:
Crissy Froyd (3-3)
Atlanta has a chance to complete a series sweep against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers here, and the last time the Falcons went up against the team, the finish can be described as none other than electric. The biggest thing for the Falcons to focus on will be stopping the run game as the Bucs will be without two of their biggest passing targets, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Without the ability to be multidimensional at a high level on offense, Atlanta gains the edge on the road. | Falcons 33, Bucs 27
Deen Worley (3-3)
The Falcons are a team looking to get back on track after being dominated by the Seahawks at home a week ago. Luckily, they face off against a depleted Buccaneers team who fell upon key injuries to limit their offensive attack. It’s just a matter of whether or not Atlanta can take advantage of the situation and hold a clear lead in the division. | Falcons 24, Bucs 20
Matt Urben (4-2)
The Falcons will have a shot and while I wouldn’t be surprised if they won, the Buccaneers will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. And that’s where QB Baker Mayfield tends to play his best. Tampa Bay has a nice stable of backs to lean on with Evans and Godwin out. Atlanta’s lack of pass rush late in the game could be the difference on Sunday. | Falcons 19, Bucs 21.
