Atlanta Falcons: 3 Bold predictions vs. Buccaneers, Week 17

2. Falcons running game will struggle

Atlanta has struggled when it comes to running the ball and its attack in the ground game. Entering the season finale on Sunday, the Falcons are averaging just 84.9 yards per game running the ball, which is the third-lowest mark in the NFL.

When it comes to the defense it will face in Week 17, Atlanta will battle against a Tampa Bay team that  is allowing opponents to rush for just 72.9 yards on the ground per game this season, which comes into the final week of the regular season ranking the best in the NFL.

The Buccaneers have allowed opposing teams to rush for a total of 1,094 yards per game (first in the NFL), averaging a total of 3.3 yards per carry (tied with New York Jets for best in the league) so far in 2019.

It will be big if Falcons running back Devonta Freeman and the rest of the running back group are able to step up and put together a dominant performance out of the backfield to counter Atlanta’s stellar passing game.