Preview: Falcons at Buccaneers, Thursday Night Football TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — A critical NFC South divisional matchup with playoff implications unfolds Thursday night as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers (7-6) sit in a more favorable position in the postseason chase but are looking to rebound from a 24-20 loss to New Orleans last Sunday. The Falcons (4-9), whose slim playoff hopes are on life support, are reeling from a 37-9 home defeat to Seattle. Atlanta’s season has been defined by inconsistency, particularly on offense. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has struggled in recent weeks, including a 15-for-30 for 162-yard performance against the Seahawks. In his last four outings, he has thrown for more than 234 yards only once and was pulled early in a Week 13 loss to Carolina after completing just 6 of 14 passes. The Falcons will need a more efficient game from Cousins and a productive night from running back Bijan Robinson, who rushed for 86 yards last week, to challenge Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, whose dual-threat ability has been central to their offense. In the loss to New Orleans, Mayfield threw for 122 yards and a touchdown while adding 42 yards on the ground. His mobility will test an Atlanta defense that has allowed an average of 27 points over its last three games. Tampa Bay won the earlier meeting this season, 23-20, in Atlanta on Sept. 7. Historically, games in this series have been close, with six of the last eight matchups decided by one score. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projected final score is Buccaneers 30, Falcons 22. Despite the projection, Atlanta has been installed as a pregame underdog with a spread of +4.5. The over/under is set at 44.5 points. A Tampa Bay victory would solidify its standing in the NFC wild-card race and keep pressure on the division-leading New Orleans Saints. For Atlanta, the game represents a last stand to salvage a disappointing season and play spoiler against a division rival. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. EST on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. The game will be broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime Video.