Buccaneers vs. Falcons Prediction: Bucs Have Value to Cover 13-Point Spread

The Atlanta Falcons take on their NFC South rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. Matt Ryan has to face his old buddy, Tom Brady, once again. To call Ryan and Brady rivals would be inaccurate though, because rivalries are close matchups, and this matchup has been anything but close. Matt Ryan is 0-6 in his career against Tom Brady.

WynnBET Sportsbook currently has the Buccaneers listed as 13-point favorites over the Falcons, but the book favors Atlanta covering at -110, compared to Tampa Bay covering at +100, which creates a solid value for the Bucs.

After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, 32-6, the Falcons make sense to many as 13-point underdogs against the defending Super Bowl Champions. But, hold on. Last week was huge for undergogs. Why not Atlanta to cover in Week 2?

The Buccaneers defense gave up 403 passing yards and three touchdowns to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys in Week 1. Tampa Bay was favored by more than a touchdown in that game and it escaped a close one, winning by just two. Who’s to say that Matt Ryan can’t replicate that performance by Prescott, and keep the Falcons within the 13-point spread?

Well, Ryan's own offensive line, for one. 

The pass blocking by Atlanta’s offensive line was trash, and I wouldn’t be surprised if left guard Jalen Mayfield finds himself on the bench more often. Drew Dalman had higher grades than Mayfield at both pass-blocking and run-blocking in relief at left guard, and should see more time this week.

If the Falcons want to survive in this game, they will have to be much better on third down, too. Last week, they converted just three of 14 third down attempts, wasting drive after drive.

Ryan struggled against the Eagles defense in Week 1, and I have little faith that he can take a massive step forward against the Bucs defense in Week 2.

The line may have shifted from 12.5-points to 13-points, but my thoughts haven’t shifted at all. I just can’t see the Falcons competing in this game, and with the Buccaneers 13-point spread listed at +100, that is a value too good to ignore.

I’ll take Tom Brady and Tampa Bay to cover the 13-point spread.

Can the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cover their 13-Point spread? Make your pick at WynnBET.