Falcons vs. Buccaneers final score predictions for Week 15

The well of optimism has run dry for The Falcoholic’s staff. With the first matchup of the year against the Buccaneers looming, Julio Jones and others out, and the team sinking into mediocrity in recent weeks. As you’ll see below, our predictions for the week contain varying degrees of pain.

Falcons 14 - Buccaneers 35

It’s not often I predict blowouts for Atlanta, but this one feels poised for disappointment. Tampa Bay has 40 sacks on the year and Atlanta is without Julio Jones yet again. Dirk Koetter is still coaching the offense and Tampa still has something to play for. This one could always be one of those random, no-shot-in-hell Falcons wins but I’m just not seeing it. Merry Christmas. - David Walker

Falcons 20 - Buccaneers 27

This probably seems too optimistic. I trust the Falcons to score a couple of touchdowns against the Bucs, even if one of them is largely or entirely due to the defense, and I trust Younghoe Koo to hit a couple of field goal opportunities if he gets them. I doubt Atlanta has enough in their banged-up state to push past Tampa Bay, but I never doubt their ability to keep things close in a divisional game they have no business even hanging around in. Let’s see if they can do it. - Dave Choate

Buccaneers 45 - Falcons 12

The only thing we know for sure about this team right now is that Grady Jarrett can manhandle quarterbacks and Younghoe Koo can knock down field goals. I’m expecting a sack or two out of Grady and an assortment of field goals from Koo. There’s a scenario where the Falcons keep Tom Brady out of the playoffs, but let’s be honest, that ain’t happening. This team is a train wreck and I expect them to play like it. - James Rael

Falcons 19 - Buccaneers 27

Here’s my analysis: The Falcons are bad and the Buccaneers are better. We are in uncharted territory in that the defense, short on talent but with some quality coaching, is bailing out the overly talented but dismally-coached offense. The Buccaneers may have plenty of problems and questions but are still a quality team. At the very least, they score more than a bunch of field goals. - Matt Chambers

Falcons 20 - Buccaneers 37

Hide the women and children. The Buccaneers have not quite been the most consistent team in the NFL all season however, with Brady under center, you know that it’s only a matter of time until this team turns the focus on and begin to play to their true potential. This presents a nice matchup for Tampa. An Atlanta team that is banged up a bit, without their best player, still showing a disjointed offensive scheme and a true lack of pass rush without implementing an aggressive blitz package. - Eric Robinson