With their win over the Saints, the Falcons are out to a 1-0 lead in the NFC South, but the Buccaneers own the top spot in the division with their 3-1 record.
Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay will travel to Atlanta for a short turnaround on Thursday Night Football, with the winner taking a commanding lead in the division. The Falcons will jump out to a 2-0 lead in the NFC South, with the Panthers looming in Week 6.
However, the Bucs are coming off an impressive victory over the Eagles and are the favorites among The Athletic’s panel of experts to take the NFC South. Ted Nguyen gives Baker Mayfield and Tampa the edge because of their consistency.
“Tampa has an aggressive defense that is challenging for opposing quarterbacks to deal with and though the offense is streaky, they can score in bunches with their robust passing game,” Nguyen writes.
Saad Yousuf, unlike his counterpart, doesn’t consider the Saints in the race, but he also gives the edge to the Bucs because of their quarterback.
“In actuality, it feels like a two-team race the Bucs and Falcons, with the Bucs getting the edge because they have the best quarterback play in the division,” Yousuf continues.
Mike Jones continues the trend, leaning towards the three-time defending division champs, noting the Buccaneers’ balanced attack on offense and defense, something the Saints and Falcons haven’t been able to do: play complementary football.
“Tampa boasts a well-rounded offense led by a very comfortable Baker Mayfield (347 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in the win over Philadelphia), and a defense capable of making game-changing plays (two takeaways and six sacks against the Eagles,” Jones writes. “The Falcons and Saints have potential, but are still working out some kinks and have yet to fully achieve the level of consistency necessary to truly contend.”
Thankfully, the division isn’t decided in the tabloids and is won on the field. The Falcons are favored in Vegas’ eyes, with a spread around a field goal depending on the gambling outlet. The Falcons have a lot to prove at home this Thursday in front of America. Hopefully, it’s complementary football.
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