The Tampa Bay Buccaneers start their 50th campaign in franchise history with a trip to Georgia, where they will face the Atlanta Falcons. Based on the NFL Week 1 odds, this is going to be a very close game, possibly decided by a single point. What do we think will happen? Keep reading this Buccaneers @ Falcons prediction post to find out!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons Week 1 Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | -128 |
| Atlanta Falcons | +108 |
| Spread | Odds |
|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers -1.5 | -110 |
| Atlanta Falcons +1.5 | -110 |
| Points | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 48.5 | -110 |
| Under 48.5 | -110 |
When, Where, and How to Watch?
- Place: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: FOX
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Seen as Narrow Favorites in Week 1
Head coach Todd Bowles is back at the helm for his fourth season. The biggest ace up his sleeve is quarterback Baker Mayfield, who’s returning to lead an offense that’s almost entirely intact from last season.
Mayfield is fresh off a career-best 2024 campaign, which saw him throw for 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. Chris Godwin, who signed a three-year, $66 million extension in March, remains a key weapon, though his Week 1 status is uncertain after last year’s ankle dislocation.
Then there’s Mike Evans, a receiver who’s synonymous with reliability, with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons (tying Jerry Rice’s record). The ground game could be a difference-maker too, with second-year running back Bucky Irving ready to up his game even further. He’s coming off a rookie season that saw him top 1,000 rushing yards (the first Buc rookie to do so since 2012) and earn All-Rookie honors.
Defensively, there’s plenty of talent, but roster depth remains a concern. One or two key injuries, and the unit could struggle to keep up the intensity.
Can Atlanta’s Offense Make a Difference?
In his second year as a full-time starter, Michael Penix Jr. has flashed strong arm talent and poise, building clear chemistry with his top targets. He’s even gone on record saying the Falcons’ offense “should be the best in the league” this year. It won’t – that’s our prediction.
Still, we expect them to do well. The thing is that Penix has quality weapons at his disposal, most notably, Drake London at wideout and Kyle Pitts at tight end. The run game is no weak link either, with Bijan Robinson aiming to match (or surpass) his standout numbers from last season.
In their last duel with the Bucs, the Falcons scored a total of 31 points. Penix threw for 4 touchdowns – caught by Kyle Pitts (twice), Darnell Mooney, and Bijan Robinson. We suspect they’re gonna do more the same this time around.
As for their defense in Week 1, that’s where the questions start piling up. Injuries and shaky cornerback play are still a concern, and while the addition of C.J. Henderson adds some depth, it’s far from a guaranteed fix. If the pass rush can’t apply consistent pressure, those secondary issues could get exposed early.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons Week 1 Prediction
Tampa is our pick, the main reason being that this team looks more well-rounded than Atlanta. The trouble with the Falcons is that, while their offense is great, their defense seems leaky, and that could cost them a lot.