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Talk about a game that really matters. This is the tightest division in the league right now and NFL betting odds on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons reflect this.
Both teams lost their respective games last week to division rivals New Orleans and Carolina, respectively.
In recent games Tampa Bay has dominated, but then again Atlanta really wasn't very good. Prior to last year, these two teams played very close games and Gambling911.com anticipates the same this time especially since Atlanta lost on the road to Tampa Bay already earlier this season.
The line on this game opened at Tampa Bay -3 and hasn't moved since.
The Buccaneers look to do their part to clinch a playoff spot by ending the NFC South's dominance at home Sunday when they visit the Falcons, who remain hopeful they'll be able to cap their surprising season with their first postseason appearance in four years.
Each team in the NFC South has a winning record and a chance to make the playoffs. Tampa Bay (9-4) is one game back of first-place Carolina, but can clinch at least a wild-card berth this week with a victory and a loss by either Dallas or Philadelphia.
Atlanta (8-5) remains one game behind Tampa Bay after missing a chance to pull into a second-place tie by falling 29-25 to division rival New Orleans last Sunday.
With his team trailing by four late in the game, first-year Falcons coach Mike Smith decided to punt, thinking Atlanta could force a three-and-out and get another chance on offense. The Saints, however, never gave back the ball.
"We lost as a team," rookie linebacker Curtis Lofton said. "It wasn't one guy's fault or one coach's fault or one group of guys or anything like that. The bottom line is (the Saints) made the plays they needed to win the game. We just have to get better."
Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan was 24-for-33 for 315 yards, one touchdown and an interception that led to a New Orleans touchdown. Though admittedly disappointed, he said the team was ready to move on.
"I can't make those kind of mistakes when we're moving the ball and about to score points," said Ryan, who's started all 13 games. "Obviously we're frustrated with the outcome. But this team hasn't given up all year. ... We still have everything that we want in front of us. We're capable of getting into the playoffs."
You can bet this game at Bookmaker.com
