Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers GAMEDAY: How to Watch, Betting Odds

The Atlanta Falcons eye first place in the NFC South when they play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Atlanta Falcons face a divisional rivalry game this afternoon when they visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

For any of the teams in the NFC South, the easiest path to the postseason will be a division title. The defending champion Bucs lead the division at 3-2, while the Falcons are just behind at 3-3.

There's still a lot of football to be played before playoffs talk begins for anyone, but a Week 7 division lead won't hurt. Tampa Bay won the South last season with a losing record of 8-9, and while that might not happen again, none of the NFC frontrunners are going to be afraid of the South winner in 2023.

The winner of this game could have an early advantage in any possible tiebreakers at the end of the season.

Bucs WR Mike Evans / USA Today

“That’s important,” Tampa Bay receiver Mike Evans said. “Last year, we had the opportunity to gain some ground early in the season and we didn’t do it. This would be a great time to take control.”

The Bucs are struggling offensively right now and have lost two of their last three. The Falcons are losers of three of their last four, including a head-scratching loss to the Commanders last week where seemingly everything went wrong.

Falcons second-year signal caller Desmond Ridder is 0-4 all-time on the road, and Atlanta hasn't sniffed the postseason since 2017. Coach Arthur Smith knows their best opportunity is through the division.

“That’s the only way you guarantee yourself the postseason, by winning the division. ... Tampa has been the one at the top of the division," Smith said. "It’s going to be a big game for us, a big game for them. ... We understand the significance.”

WHAT: Atlanta Falcons (3-3, 0-2 ROAD) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2, 1-2 HOME)

WHERE: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL (65,844)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, 1 p.m. ET

TELEVISION: FOX / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: WZGC-FM 92.9 The Game

Get your tickets at SI Tickets

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Falcons +2.5

TOTAL: 37.5

MONEYLINE: Falcons +120, Buccaneers -141