How do we feel about an Atlanta Falcons win with the upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup?

I’ll tell you how we feel. The team has come forward with outcome predictions (we’d love to hear yours!), and below you’ll find our optimistic views on a narrow win.

Falcons 27, Buccaneers 24

Another stupidly close divisional clash that’s equal parts intrigue and frustration. I was thinking about picking the Falcons in this game, but the Bucs are in for a disappointment as they have as many injuries as them and just picked up a big road win against the Eagles. On the road again, in a short week and in prime time against an opponent with a lot of new faces, I think Tampa Bay will have a marquee performance from Baker Mayfield and enough fights from Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson to lose one.

And yes, expect an interception from Kirk Cousins ​​that shouldn’t be, another week of question marks from Kyle Pitts, a few long runs from Bucky Irving against this defense that never should have happened, and a short pass to Rachaad White, who goes for miles because of missed tackles. The Falcons love to play the hits, but at 3-2, we’re not going to complain so much. —Dave Choate

Falcons 24, Buccaneers 23

A short week with two volatile teams with quarterbacks who have complete confidence in their arms regardless of whether a throwing window exists is bound to be chaotic. Tampa Bay was extremely impressive, especially on defense, where Todd Bowles produced a unit full of question marks. He will step up his signature array of blitzes to disrupt Kirk Cousins’ rhythm. It will be a challenge for Zac Robinson, who has already faced a Super Bowl-winning defensive master in Steve Spagnuolo. It’s hard to predict, but the Falcons have the more talented roster and the quarterback is less likely to make a catastrophic mistake. The Falcons win another thriller when Jessie Bates gets the game-winning interception. – Allen Strk

Falcons 31, Buccaneers 27

Heading into Week 5, I think it’s pretty clear that the Buccaneers were the better team. Tampa Bay is also inconsistent, pretty banged up and has the dreaded away game to contend with on Thursday night. The stats aren’t good in this situation: the Bucs have an uphill battle. Atlanta’s offense, which has been almost together over the last two weeks, will have to be at its best to keep up with Tampa Bay. I think the Falcons can pull it off because October Kirk arrives just in time to lift the Falcons over the Bucs in a shootout. —Kevin Knight

Falcons 27, Buccaneers 24

Divisional clash: Atlanta pulled off an extremely emotional win on Sunday and faced disappointment just days later, and Tampa Bay was forced to travel to an away game on Thursday night. Let’s go crazy. The Bucs have really impressed me so far this season, but they are at a logistical disadvantage and have some serious injuries on their roster. Atlanta’s offense was disappointing (to say the least), but even last season’s Desmond Ridder/Arthur Smith-led offense managed to move the ball almost at will against the same Bucs defense in both games (they ended up just shot himself in the foot). drives). The defense needs to put some pressure on Baker Mayfield as he continues his renaissance, but I think the secondary (which has looked great) makes enough plays and Atlanta wins late with another shot from Younghoe Koo. –Adnan Ikic

Falcons 27, Buccaneers 23

Can you believe this is the third Falcons primetime game of the year and there’s still more to come? Tampa Bay is coming to town and the Falcons have a golden opportunity in front of them. With a win, Atlanta can take an early lead in the division and prepare for a successful October.

Atlanta won’t have Troy Andersen, but the Buccaneers are dealing with plenty of injuries of their own. Thursday Night Football is usually a chaotic product where you can experience the best and worst football in one game. The Falcons’ offense will finally click when we bring in October Kirk Cousins, and I think Atlanta will outscore its division opponents. —Tre’Shon Diaz