Week 5 of the NFL season officially kicks off Thursday night when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons. Baker Mayfield and Co. have gotten off to a hot start, winning three of their first four games to sit atop the NFC South. Kirk Cousins has Atlanta 2-2 and coming off a big 26-24 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 4.
Who will come out on top in a battle of division rivals? Stay with NBC News all night for the latest.
Keys to the Game for the Falcons
The Falcons will need to find a way to slow down the Buccaneers' high-powered offense. Tampa Bay is averaging 26.5 points per game this season, which ranks 11th in the NFL. They've also been very efficient in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on 66.7% of their trips inside the 20-yard line.
The Falcons will need to be disciplined defensively and avoid giving up big plays. Tampa Bay has a number of explosive playmakers on offense, including wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, as well as running back Rachaad White.
Offensively, the Falcons will need to find a way to get their running game going. They've been struggling to run the ball effectively this season, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry.
If the Falcons can establish the run, it will open up the passing game for Kirk Cousins and give their offense a better chance to move the ball downfield.
Keys to the Game for the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers will need to find a way to contain the Falcons' dynamic offense. Atlanta is averaging 23.5 points per game this season, which ranks 16th in the NFL. They've also been very effective in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on 60% of their trips inside the 20-yard line.
The Buccaneers will need to be sound defensively and avoid giving up big plays. Atlanta has a number of explosive playmakers on offense, including wide receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson, and tight end Kyle Pitts.
Offensively, the Buccaneers will need to continue to move the ball effectively. They've been one of the most productive offenses in the NFL this season, averaging 392.5 yards per game.
If the Buccaneers can maintain their offensive efficiency, it will put a lot of pressure on the Falcons' defense and give them a good chance to win the game.
The Last Time These Two Teams Met
Kirk Cousins threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns for the Falcons, while Drake London had six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Final Prediction
This is a tough game to call. Both teams are capable of winning, but the Buccaneers have the edge in terms of experience and talent.
I'm picking the Buccaneers to win this game in a close one. They're playing at home, and they're coming off a big win over the Eagles. They're also the better team overall, and I think that will be the difference in the game.
Buccaneers 24, Falcons 20
Final Thoughts
This is a game that has the potential to be a lot of fun to watch. Both teams have a lot of offensive firepower, and the game could come down to the wire.
It's also a game that has significant implications for the NFC South standings. The Buccaneers are currently in first place, while the Falcons are in third place.
This game will be a big test for both teams, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
