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NFL Week 17: Trends which will decide each game

By Russell S. Baxter

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 27: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 26: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes with the ball after a reception ahead of Tramaine Brock #31 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of a game at Ford Field on December 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 26: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes with the ball after a reception ahead of Tramaine Brock #31 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of a game at Ford Field on December 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5), 1:00 pm

Falcons: Only the Seahawks have allowed more yards through the air than Raheem Morris’ club, which has totaled just 28 sacks (equaling last season’s total) while surrendering 30 touchdown passes – two more than all of 2019. For what it’s worth, Atlanta (with its most losses since 2013) have won four straight at Tampa dating back to ‘16.

Buccaneers: Thanks to a 31-27 come-from-behind victory two weeks ago at Atlanta, the playoff-bound Bucs are in position to sweep this series for the first time since 2015. The team remains ranked first in the league against the run, which was the case a season ago. But Tampa Bay defenders have allowed 27 touchdowns through the air.

New Orleans Saints (11-4) at Carolina Panthers (5-10), 4:25 pm

Saints: The defense got off to a slow start this year when it came to stopping the pass. But Dennis Allen’s unit seemed to settle down for a while. However, New Orleans’ defenders have been gashed on the ground to the tune of 515 yards in their last three games. The Saints have allowed a combined 89 points in those last three contests.

Panthers: In Matt Rhule’s first season as an NFL head coach, this team has won as many games as it did a year ago. But the Panthers are coming off a road win at Washington and the defense has grown steadily. A season ago, Carolina allowed a whopping 470 points in 16 contests – compared to allowing 369 points in 15 games this year.

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