Buccaneers-Falcons Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Georgia Dome. Oddsmakers currently have the Falcons listed as 4-point favorites versus the Buccaneers, while the game's total is sitting at 44. The Buccaneers got two touchdown strikes from Jeff Garcia on Monday night in their 38-23 loss to the Panthers. The Panthers managed to cover the 3-point spread at home in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (40.5). The Falcons lost to New Orleans 29-25 as a 3-point underdog last week. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (51.5). Matt Ryan threw for 315 yards with a touchdown and an interception as well as a TD run for Atlanta, while Michal Turner rushed for 61 yards and a TD on 18 carries. Team records: Tampa Bay: 9-4 SU, 7-6 ATS Atlanta: 8-5 SU, 8-5 ATS Tampa Bay most recently: When playing in December are 3-7 When playing on turf are 3-7 After being outgained are 7-3 When playing within the division are 7-3 Atlanta most recently: When playing in December are 2-8 When playing on turf are 6-4 When playing within the division are 3-7 Before playing Minnesota are 3-7 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games on the road Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta Tampa Bay is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home Atlanta is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 10 games at home The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 11 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay Next up: Tampa Bay home to San Diego, Sunday, December 21 Atlanta at Minnesota, Sunday, December 21