Atlanta Falcons: 3 Bold predictions vs. Buccaneers in Week 15

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 3: Wide receiver Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons keeps his feet in the end zone in front of cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he hauls in a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Ryan during the third quarter of an NFL game on November 3, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 3: Wide receiver Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons keeps his feet in the end zone in front of cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he hauls in a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Ryan during the third quarter of an NFL game on November 3, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
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The Atlanta Falcons head south to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a crucial Week 15 matchup. Here are three bold predictions for the game.

The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet in a huge Monday Night Football showdown to conclude Week 15. While the season is definitely over for the Bucs, it’s the Dirty Birds who are still looking to claw their way back into the NFC Playoffs for the second-straight season. If Atlanta can somehow beat Tampa Bay on the road, it will go a long way in keeping their Super Bowl hopes alive.

That said, for the Falcons to come away with a victory this upcoming weekend, their offense must protect the football better than they did in Week 14 against the Saints. Sure, the Dirty Birds were able to get the win, but Matt Ryan threw three costly interceptions to a defense that was gassed.

Not to mention, if it weren’t for those unfortunate picks, Deion Jones wouldn’t have had to bail the Falcons out with an interception of his own towards the end of regulation.

It’s clear that Atlanta is the better overall team heading into Monday, but that doesn’t mean the Bucs are going to give into the hype. These two squads are bitter division-rivals, who also know each other extremely well. If I had to guess, this game will be back-and-forth for the majority of the game. Take a look at three bold predictions for this NFC South battle.