Week 15 Expert Picks: Falcons vs. Buccaneers
The 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers return to the spotlight on Thursday Night Football in Week 15, hosting the 4-9 Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but they’ll aim to play spoiler as the Buccaneers chase a fifth straight NFC South title. If you’re wondering how to watch, listen, or stream the game, you can find details here: https://www.buccaneers.com/news/how-to-watch-falcons-at-buccaneers-week-15-2025.
Several analysts described this matchup as a chance for a rebound for Tampa Bay after a peculiar Week 14 defeat to New Orleans. One expert forecasted a “get-right” outing for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense, boosted by anticipated returns from Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, and Tristan Wirfs. There’s also some chatter about the Falcons’ motivation, or potential lack thereof, given their playoff elimination last week. (Mayfield would likely dispute that notion: https://www.buccaneers.com/news/baker-mayfield-falcons-would-love-spoil-bucs-playoff-hopes.)
Another analyst argues the key for Tampa Bay is to neutralize Bijan Robinson’s big-play threats.
The Buccaneers enter as 4.5-point favorites at home, a line supported by a consensus among national analysts. Here are several notable predictions for Thursday night at Raymond James Stadium:
ESPN.com – Eight of 11 ESPN experts have weighed in, and all pick the Buccaneers.
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco is predicting a Buccaneer party.
USA Today – Four of six predictors choosing the spread side with the home team.
Bleacher Report – Among seven analysts, six pick Tampa Bay even while going against the spread.
Pro Football Talk – Mike Florio and Chris Simms both forecast the Buccaneers, even agreeing on the same final score.
Sports Illustrated – Of SI’s MMQB staff, only Connor Orr sides with the Falcons.
Sporting News – Vinnie Iyer expects the Buccaneers to win and cover.
Moe Moton (Bleacher Report) notes Tampa Bay’s edge in a specific area and outlines how it could unfold:
“With first place in the NFC South effectively tied with the Panthers, Tampa Bay will play with urgency at home. Chris Godwin is taking on more snaps as he recovers from a fibula injury, and there’s a good chance Evans and McMillan are back in action. Even if Evans or McMillan sit, the Buccaneers can still win this division clash by a touchdown, with Bucky Irving likely to exploit Atlanta’s 24th-ranked run defense.”
