The Atlanta Falcons are the last opponent on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers schedule. While the Bucs have already clinched a playoff spot, seeding is on the line in this one, and so is their pride. Here are a few things to watch for ahead of this Week 17 showdown in Tampa Bay.
Buccaneers and Falcons Injury Report:
The Buccaneers as a team have quite a few injuries, but it is expected this late in the season. They have quite a few questionable’s. Carlton Davis, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Leonard Fournette, and Mike Edwards are all marked as questionable for this one. Fournette had an amazing game last week against the Lions, so that would be a tough loss for the Bucs if he is unable to suit up. Also for the Bucs, LB Devin White tested positive for COVID-19, while teammate Shaq Barrett landed on the COVID list as a close contact. Both are out for Sunday,
The Falcons have a few players that will either not be suiting up or are set to be a game-time decision. A few of those include Julio Jones, Alex Mack, Ito Smith, Darqueze Dennard, and Foyesade Oluokun. Julio Jones sticks out the most, as he has battled multiple injuries throughout the year. He would only be playing his 10th game of the year if he is deemed ready to play this Sunday.
Playoff Scenarios
The Bucs are in a battle for playoff seeding. After their convincing win over the Lions last week, they are looking to keep their spot at 5th in the NFC. How can they do that? Here’s how. Tampa Bay can make it easy and just win this game against Detroit. But, god forbid they lose, they just need a Rams loss against an upstart Arizona Cardinals offense. The Buccaneers cannot drop lower than the 6 seed. They would be delegated to the 6 seed if they lose and the Rams win their matchup.
The Bucs would play the Washington Football Team if all seeding holds, meaning the seeding does not change. If they slip to 6, and the division leaders take care of business in their games, the Seahawks would host the Bucs in the wild card round. So, there is still a lot to decide in the NFC Playoff Picture, so you would be mistaken to think this game means nothing.
Previous Matchup
The Falcons and the Bucs played each other in Week 15 this year. This was played in Atlanta, and you guessed it, the Falcons blew this game. They had a 24-7 lead with 7:34 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Tom Brady proceeded to break the Falcons hearts a second time by winning this one in grand style 31-27. Brady is 6-0 against the Falcons in his long, storied career. He has thrown 13 touchdowns, and only one pick, which was a pick-six in the super bowl. So, Brady has had his way in the past, and most would expect him to have his way once more in this one.