The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open their 2025 campaign on Sunday afternoon against the division-rival Falcons in Atlanta. While Tampa Bay has won each of the last four NFC South titles, the Falcons have prevailed in three of the last four head-to-head meetings, including both contests in 2024. To find out how to watch, listen and livestream the game, click here.
There are injury concerns for both teams, most notably on the offensive line, but most analysts are expecting a somewhat high-scoring game, and one that could come down to the wire. There seems to be a bit more confidence in Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield than his young counterpart, Michael Penix Jr., who has three career NFL starts. There also appear to be some lingering questions about the Falcons' defense, though much of that comes down to the unknown in the first week of the new season.
Blake Schuster of USA Today based his pick on the Bucs' quarterback and the unproven nature of their rivals, writing:
"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."
The Buccaneers are 1.5-point favorites on the road and most experts foresee a close game. The experts are definitely split but lean somewhat towards the visitors. Here's what some of them are saying:
NFL.com – All five pickers see the game being decided by four points or less, three going with the Bucs
ESPN.com – Two of three writers go with Tampa Bay, and one predicts a strong debut for Emeka Egbuka
CBSSports.com – Pete Prisco notes O-Line injury issues for both teams but sides with Bucs
USA Today – Picking against the spread, four of six analysts take the points and the Falcons
Bleacher Report – Factoring in the spread, two analysts are split on this game
Pro Football Talk – Chris Simms picks against his former team, Mike Florio does not
Sports Illustrated – SI assembles seven staffers to make picks, and six side with Tampa Bay
Sporting News – The Bucs get the nod based on a stronger defense
