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For the 2025 NFL season, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t have the luxury of easing into the action. Their opener comes against an NFC South rival desperate to prove itself, the Atlanta Falcons. With storylines galore, from Michael Penix Jr stepping into his first full season as Atlanta’s starter to Tampa Bay’s veterans aiming to show they remain contenders, this Week 1 matchup could set the tone for both franchises. The Buccaneers have continuity, leadership, and proven star power on their side. Meanwhile, the Falcons are banking on youth, upside, and the promise of a new era. That contrast makes this one of the more intriguing divisional openers on the schedule.
The Buccaneers and Falcons square off on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a game loaded with both divisional implications and plenty of intrigue. For Atlanta, this is about ushering in the Penix era. The rookie-turned-starter had flashes of brilliance last year. He tossed three touchdowns, but his three interceptions in limited action showed just how steep the NFL learning curve can be. Now, with a full offseason under his belt, Penix will try to prove he belongs against a veteran Bucs defense that prides itself on confusing young quarterbacks. Expect Tampa’s front seven to test his pocket presence while their secondary, bolstered by Antoine Winfield Jr, dares him to take shots downfield.
The Falcons have also wisely tried to shore up their defense, drafting linebacker Jalon Walker and edge rusher James Pearce Jr in the first round. These additions might be franchise cornerstones someday. However, Week 1 is rarely kind to rookies asked to immediately slow down established stars.
Tampa Bay returns much of its offensive core. This includes quarterback Baker Mayfield, wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and a line that has had a full offseason of continuity. It’s not far-fetched to call this an early-season elimination game in the NFC South. Atlanta is eager to prove it can keep up in what they hope will be a shootout. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will be equally determined to flex their veteran muscle. If the Falcons want a track meet, the Buccaneers may be happy to oblige, but they’ll do it on their terms.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Buccaneers and the Falcons in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.
Penix is the future of the Falcons franchise. That said, his first Week 1 as a full-time starter is a baptism by fire. He faces a Buccaneers defense that thrives on creating pressure and forcing mistakes. That’s exactly the formula that frustrates young quarterbacks. Todd Bowles’ unit knows how to disguise coverages. With Winfield patrolling the back end again, Tampa Bay should severely limit Atlanta’s explosive opportunities.
The Bucs’ pass rush will be relentless. With Caljiah Kancey, Vita Vea and now Haason...
