NFL Odds – Falcons Open Three-Game Road Trip In Tampa Bay

After knocking off the Green Bay Packers for their ninth win of the season last weekend, NFL odds makers will see the Atlanta Falcons take flight to open a three-game road trip this Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons have won five in a row to climb to the top of the NFC, but will need a solid showing on a tough December schedule to clinch the South division and home field advantage in the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday December 5, 2010 – 4:15 PM ET

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida
Broadcast: FOX

NFL Odds: Falcons -3, Buccaneers +3
Total: 44.5

Atlanta will open their trip against a Buccaneers’ team that has played well despite struggling to find consistency. Tampa Bay is coming off a 17-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but have not lost consecutive games this season.

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NFL Odds: What The Falcons Will Have To Do To Win?

The last time that Atlanta won five games in a row, they ended up going on to win the 1998 Super Bowl. After clinching a winning record for the 2010-11 season, the Falcons now turn their attention to winning the division and securing home field advantage. Atlanta has found the perfect balance on offense, with quarterback Matt Ryan throwing for over 2,700 yards and 19 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions, and running back Michael Turner racking up 974 yards and seven scores. Ryan matched a franchise record by completing 85.7-percent of his passes in the win over the Packers, and will need another solid performance Sunday, while also playing mistake-free football. Another performance like the 235 yards and touchdown he registered in the win over Tampa Bay last month would be sufficient. The Falcons rank sixth in the league against the rush, but will need to get pressure on Buccaneers’ quarterback Josh Freeman to mask the 27th-ranked pass defense.

NFL Odds: What The Buccaneers Will Have To Do To Win?

Despite seven victories through their first 11 games, last weekend’s loss to the Ravens dropped the Buccaneers’ to 0-4 against teams with winning records. Tampa Bay has struggled against top competition, and are just 3-2 at home. Rookie running back LeGarrette Blount is one of a couple of bright spots on the team, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, and will need to be at his best to help open things up for the pass. Tampa Bay’s defense has been good against the pass all year, but will need to focus more attention on the run to help slow Turner and Jason Snelling.

NFL Odds: Outlook & Pick

Given that Ryan is 19-1 all-time at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta is banking on home-field advantage meaning everything. That said, the Falcons have both the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears breathing down their necks, and every win will count over this upcoming three-game road trip. The Buccaneers haven’t been able to clinch victories against teams with winning records, and that likely won’t change this weekend.

NFL Odds Pick: Falcons -3