/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47521627/GettyImages-456005660.0.jpg)
The Falcons are coming off back-to-back-to-back uninspiring performances...and they're still favored by a touchdown and extra point over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That speaks volumes, frankly.
The reason the Buccaneers are getting this treatment has everything to do with A) how they've played, B) their heartbreaking loss to Washington this past Sunday and C) the fact that the Falcons are at home after two straight away games. The Falcons are also 6-1, if that tickles your fancy, and annihilated the Buccaneers in 2014 with an inarguably inferior team.
That Washington loss is likely sticking with oddsmakers, because it was such an ugly, ugly way to lose. The Buccaneers had a 24 point lead at one point before surrendering three second half touchdown passes to Kirk Cousins, a terrible defensive effort under a defensive-minded head coach that ruined quality days from Jameis Winston and Doug Martin. There are plenty of pieces here, and I remain nervous about Tampa Bay's long-term prospects, but this is a bad football team. The Falcons, as warty and shaky as they've been, deserve to be favored here.
We'll be running our score predictions a little later in the week, but for now, let us know what you think of this line.