Buccaneers Aim for Comeback; Bijan Favored in Thursday Night DFS Picks
This Thursday night, the NFC South presents an intriguing matchup as the Atlanta Falcons visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This game marks Week 15 of the NFL season. The Falcons started their season strong with a 3-2 record but have since experienced a sharp decline, losing seven of their last eight games. Consequently, they have been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Buccaneers, currently holding a 7-6 record, find themselves tied with the Carolina Panthers for the division lead. However, their playoff hopes are also in jeopardy, having lost four of their last five games. In this critical clash, Tampa Bay is favored by 4.5 points at home.
Key Player Props and Predictions
- Baker Mayfield UNDER 218.5 passing yards (-112): Mayfield has struggled with accuracy and efficiency over the past weeks, which makes achieving this yardage challenging.
- Bucky Irving OVER 62.5 rushing yards (-114): With a consistent 15 carries per game and facing a susceptible Atlanta defense, Irving is expected to perform well.
- Kyle Pitts Sr. OVER 58.5 receiving yards (-114): With Drake London sidelined, Pitts is likely to see increased targets, making him a focal point for the Falcons.
- Darnell Mooney 70+ receiving yards (+460): Despite his recent struggles, Mooney is anticipated to have more opportunities as defenses focus on other threats.
Daily Fantasy Showdown Insights
For Daily Fantasy players, Bijan Robinson stands out as a top option. Valued at $16,000, he has had 22 or more touches in three of his last four games, demonstrating his capability as a dual-threat player. The lack of available receivers on Atlanta’s roster amplifies his importance in this matchup.
Fantasy Player Suggestions
- Captain Option: Bijan Robinson ($16,000) – Key contributor with consistent rushing and receiving capabilities.
- Possible Addition: Kyle Pitts Sr. ($6,400) – Will be crucial as Atlanta’s primary receiving threat.
- Potential Risk: Baker Mayfield ($15,000) – Despite his struggles, he has historically performed well against Atlanta.
- Budget Play: Darnell Mooney ($9,900) – Ideal for fitting in higher-priced players while still providing upside.
Betting Trends and Insights
The betting landscape reveals some trends worth noting. The Buccaneers have not performed well against the spread (ATS), holding a 0-5 record in their last five games. Moreover, at home, they are 1-5 ATS this season. Conversely, the Falcons have successfully covered in their last three meetings in Tampa Bay. Notably, the total has gone over in six out of the last seven games for Atlanta.
As predictions loom and strategies unfold, bettors will be keenly watching this primetime matchup, hoping to align their picks with these emerging trends and key performances. For comprehensive game insights and betting perspectives, visit El-Balad as we continue to cover this exciting NFL season.
