Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Atlanta Falcons Picks and Predictions for Sunday, September 7, 2025

By: David Anicetti Updated 09/08/2025, 09:04 AM ET

Buccaneers Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday to play the Atlanta Falcons and the opening game of the NFL regular season for both. Tampa Bay finished 10-7 and first in the NFC South last season. Tampa Bay will be late at quarterback by Baker Mayfield, and the Buccaneers have a very strong running game led by Bucky Irving. Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans also returns, and with Chris Godwin Jr and Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs will have a very strong receiving corps. Catch up and be ready for all the NFL action with our free NFL betting Previews.

Tampa Bay’s defense will be strong in its 3-4 setup. The Buccaniers are injury-free in the starting lineup. Vita Vea returns to anchor the front line, while the linebackers will be led by Sir Vocea Dennis and LaVonte Dennis. The secondary has a strong pair of safeties in Antoine Winfield Jr and Tykee Smith, while cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum are strong coverage players.

Falcons Preview

The Atlanta Falcons finished 8-9 last season, which was second in the NFC South. Michael Penix Jr is the new starting quarterback for the Falcons but the key to the offense is the performance of running back Bijan Robinson, who last season had 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns. Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III are the three top receivers for the Falcons.

Atlanta will be inexperienced but have plenty of talent on defense. Zach Harrison and David Onyemata will be looked upon to create a pass rush that was non-existent in 2024. The linebackers are led by Kaden Elliss, Diving Deablo, Arnold Ebiketie, and Leonard Floyd. Atlanta’s secondary could be its weak link for the defense, but a tough pass rush could alleviate that.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

Falcons vs Buccaneers Pick

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win and cover on Sunday as Baker Mayfield will have a strong game under center, and Bucky Irving will lead the running attack for the Buccaneers. Atlanta will struggle behind new quarterback Michael Penix Jr, and the Falcons’ defense will give up too much too often and create a deficit that the Falcons' offense will not be able to overcome. Final Score Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers win and cover ATS 27-20.