Falcons head home as 2.5-point favorites against rival Buccaneers

Slight favorites at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Atlanta Falcons are enjoying a two-game winning streak, and head home to take on the Tampa Bay Bucs as 2.5-point favorites, per DraftKings Sportsbook.

There’s a definite argument that the line should edge further in Atlanta’s favor, but its current offensive struggles certainly factored into the opening odds. The defense, however? On a complete tear. The Falcons have not allowed a touchdown in the last two games, and have created five takeaways in that span.

The defensive unit is the prime reason that the Falcons sit atop the NFC South, and they have a shot to further pad their lead with a win over the Bucs. Tampa Bay eked out a 21-18 win on Sunday over the hapless Panthers, which should bode well for the Falcons’ chances. Quarterback Baker Mayfield only managed 194 passing yards in the win.

While the Falcons’ rushing defense has been one of the best in the league, the secondary is susceptible to plays downfield. With top cornerback A.J. Terrell’s status up in the air due to a head injury in Sunday’s game against the Jets, the Falcons will need to contain the likes of Mike Evans to prevent Tampa’s chunk plays.

Per DraftKings Sportsbook, the over/under currently sits at 39 points, with Atlanta -135 in the moneyline.