NFL Week 1 best bets: Why we like Ravens, Lions and Steelers
Lorenzo Reyes is back for another season of best bets. He explains why he’s taking the Ravens over Bills, Lions over Packers and Steelers over Jets.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0) visit the Atlanta Falcons (0-0) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for a Week 1 showdown, and USA TODAY’s panel of NFL experts have locked in their picks and predictions for the action. Here’s everything you need to know before kickoff on Sunday, September 7, including live updated odds and injury report news.
Falcons vs. Buccaneers live odds, moneyline, over/under
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Falcons vs. Buccaneers picks against the spread
Jordan Mendoza: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)
Michael Penix Jr. seems like he could be a top 10 quarterback in the future, but growing pains still await. Baker Mayfield has too many weapons at his disposal to drop this one.
Tyler Dragon: Atlanta Falcons (+2.5)
The Falcons swept the season series last year. Can Michael Penix Jr. continue that momentum? A good start will bode well for Atlanta as it tries to win the division for the first time since 2016.
Christopher Bumbaca: Atlanta Falcons (+2.5)
It might take Baker Mayfield a minute to gel with his third offensive coordinator in as many years. Plus, the Falcons feel like an early-season team that has an inevitable drop-off.
Jon Hoefling: Atlanta Falcons (+2.5)
With the absence of Liam Coen and how well Michael Penix played at the end of last year, there are a lot of factors pointing in Atlanta’s favor. I’ll go with the home team here.
Lorenzo Reyes: Atlanta Falcons (+2.5)
These are familiar opponents who match up similarly, but I think the Falcons are being overlooked a touch here. At home, with Michael Penix Jr. having a full offseason as the unquestioned No. 1, I can see Atlanta pulling off the upset.
Blake Schuster: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)
Baker Mayfield might be one of the most under-appreciated quarterbacks in the league by now. Year in and year out, with a gazillion different offensive coordinators, he continues to put up numbers. I supposed it helps to have Mike Evans. Anyways, the Falcons have a lot to prove before I can trust them.
Falcons vs. Buccaneers updated injury report