First place in the NFC South is on the line as the 4-3 Atlanta Falcons travel to Tampa Bay to take on the 4-3 Buccaneers.

The Falcons are looking to bounce back from a disappointing blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Bijan Robinson lead a talented Falcons offense, which ranks seventh overall in the NFL.

Cousins ranks fourth in passing yards, but has been a bit careless taking care of the ball, tied for second in interceptions thrown with five fumbles. Atlanta's defense has been a middling unit, but is young and could continue to improve as the season unfolds. 

The Buccaneers lost more than just their game to the Baltimore Ravens last week as their top two wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, went down with significant injuries. Evans is dealing with a hamstring issue that will keep him sidelined for several weeks, while Godwin is out for the season with a dislocated ankle.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is having a career year, will now need to elevate his game even more. The Bucs could look to commit more to the run as Bucky Irving is averaging a stellar 5.2 yards per carry. Ultimately, the defense must step up if Tampa Bay is going to continue to win as it is surrendering the second-most yards and fifth-most points in the league.

Let's dive into the odds and best bets for this matchup.

*Odds from BetMGM Sportsbook and subject to change

Falcons-Buccaneers Moneyline

Falcons: -145
Buccaneers: +120

I don't think Tampa Bay losing Evans and Godwin is something it can recover from, at least not right away. With them, I would probably pick the Bucs to win this game in a shootout. However, I just don't think they have the firepower to keep up with Atlanta without them, especially considering how bad their defense has been. I'm going to avoid the moneyline because I think the Falcons will cover the spread.

Falcons-Buccaneers Spread

Falcons: -2.5 (-115)
Buccaneers: +2.5 (-105)

The Bucs might be fired up to start the game, but I think their offense stalls and Atlanta pulls away in the second half. Bet on the Falcons covering the 2.5-point spread.

Falcons-Buccaneers Over/Under 46 points

Over: -110
Under: -110

It's possible that the Falcons score enough to carry both teams to hit the over, but I'm going lean toward the under. I like Atlanta to score into the high-20's, but I don't think the Bucs score higher than the mid-teens. However, it will be close and may not be worth the gamble. 

Falcons-Buccaneers Prop Bets

Falcons WR Drake London anytime TD scorer (-115)

London is off to the best start to a season of his career, ranking seventh in receiving yards, fourth in receptions and tied for second in receiving touchdowns. This week he faces a poor Bucs secondary that ranks 28th in pass defense and has allowed eight passing touchdowns this season.

Buccaneers RB Rachaad White under 40.5 rushing yards (-120)

White is being outpaced by rookie Bucky Irving, who has more carries, rushing yards and touchdowns than White. Combine that with the likelihood of the Bucs playing from behind for the majority of the game, thus throwing the ball more often, I don't see how White reaches 40 rushing yards.