The final four weeks of the 2025 NFL regular season kick off with an NFC South matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) and the Atlanta Falcons (4-9) on ‘Thursday Night Football.’
The visiting Falcons hope to play spoiler in tonight’s game but the Buccaneers have plenty at stake tonight and should come prepared.
Tampa Bay and quarterback Baker Mayfield had a remarkable first half of the season with a 6-2 start and appeared on track to claim their fifth consecutive NFC South crown. Instead, they’ve lost four of their last five and are clinging to the division lead, tied with the feisty Carolina Panthers.
Injuries are a significant factor this time of year and Mayfield has been dealing with a left shoulder sprain he suffered in Week 12. However since then, running back Bucky Irving returned from a seven-game absence and Chris Godwin is back in the lineup after missing five games.
More reinforcements are on the way with Bucs all-time leading receiver Mike Evans and star tackle Tristan Wirfs expected to return tonight. On the contrary, Atlanta will be without its top receiver Drake London for the fourth straight week.
The Falcons offense will have four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins under center since starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 11. Atlanta will lean on Bijan Robinson who leads the NFL with 1,683 yards from scrimmage and hope its defense can keep Tampa Bay out of the end zone.
This is the second meeting between these NFC South foes, with Tampa Bay winning 23-20 on the road back in Week 1. Will the Bucs get back on track or can the Falcons spoil their playoff hopes?
USA TODAY Sports will provide updates, analysis and highlights from the Week 15 ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup below. All times are Eastern.
Buccaneers vs. Falcons start time
Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
How to watch Buccaneers vs. Falcons
Live stream: Amazon Prime Video
Tampa market: WTVT (FOX 13) | Atlanta market: WAGA (FOX 5)
The NFL’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ game will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video for national viewers. For those in the Buccaneers TV market, WTVT (Fox 13) will air the game. In Atlanta, viewers can tune to WAGA (Fox 5).
Buccaneers vs. Falcons TNF live stream
Stream:Amazon Prime Video | Fubo (local market)
Amazon Prime Video will air the Buccaneers-Falcons ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup. Those in local TV markets can watch the matchup on Fubo.
Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with a Prime Video subscription
Buccaneers vs. Falcons predictions, picks
Tampa Bay hit a roadblock with injuries halfway through the season, which explains why they’ve lost four of their last five. They just lost to the lowly Saints at home, but they still control their playoff hopes. It sounds like they’re finally getting healthy with Tristan Wirfs, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan potentially returning. Atlanta’s offense is one-dimensional without Drake London, and the strength of the Bucs defense is against the run. Tampa Bay’s push for the playoffs starts tonight. They’ll win by a touchdown and prepare for a massive divisional clash against the Panthers with a few extra days of rest.
Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Falcons 17
Buccaneers vs. Falcons odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list.
Moneyline (ML): Tampa Bay -225 (Bet $225 to win $100) | Atlanta +185 (Bet $100 to win $185)
Against the spread (ATS): Tampa Bay -4.5 (-110) | Atlanta +4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 44 (O: -110 | U: -110)