ClutchPoints
The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two teams headed in opposite directions. Tampa Bay is 7-6 headed into Week 15 and in a tight race with Carolina for the NFC South title. Meanwhile, the Falcons are floundering at 4-9 after Michael Penix Jr.’s season-ending injury. The Falcons do not have their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft either, which makes their long-term prospects look not so good.
This game has plenty of ingredients that could result in a blowout. Not only is Tampa a better overall team, but they have plenty to fight for ahead of the playoffs. By comparison, the Falcons are only playing for pride as they will not make the postseason. Their head coach is rumored to be on the hot seat too, which does not help from a motivation angle.
Plus, the Buccaneers are getting healthy at the right time. Head coach Todd Bowles announced on Monday that Mike Evans, Tristan Wirfs, and Jalen McMillan are all “in play” for Thursday’s game against the Falcons. That could give Tampa’s offense an extra jolt just in time for this important divisional matchup.
So which team will come out on top in this one? And which players are set up to play well on Thursday Night Football?
Below we will explore three bold predictions from Falcons vs. Buccaneers ahead of the Thursday night battle in Week 15.
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Mayfield has not played up to his standard throughout most of the 2025 season.
The veteran quarterback has revived his career in Tampa, throwing for over 4,000 passing yards and 28+ touchdowns over the past two seasons. But that is set to change this year.
Mayfield has only 2,722 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions with four games left to play. I was also shocked to learn that Baker has only thrown for over 300 passing yards one time this season.
I think that could change in Week 15.
I’m predicting that Baker Mayfield will double up Kirk Cousins in most statistical categories. So if Cousins throws 200 passing yards, Baker needs 400. The same goes with passing touchdowns too.
Cousins only has one game over 200 passing yards this season, throwing for 234 yards and a touchdown against the Jets.
This prediction feels perfectly in the zone of possibility, while also being a little reckless. So it’s perfect!
Bucky is back and as good as ever.
The second-year running back has played well since returning from his lengthy injury absence. And he could be in for his best game of the season against the Falcons.
Atlanta’s defense is designed to hold up against the pass. They’ve only allowed 191.5 passing yards per game this season thanks to their young pass rushers. I was surprised to learn that Atlanta is 3rd in the NFL with 43 sacks heading...
