Thursday Night Football Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons NFL Best Bets and Top Props
Thursday Night Football is here and we're here to help you win some money.
We have made it to Week 5 and it's time for Thursday Night Football.
Last week, we at least got a competitive game between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants, but it wasn't the most exciting game in the world. However, we did nail all three of our picks hitting on the spread, over/under and moneyline - something we will try to accomplish once again this week when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take to the road to challenge the Atlanta Falcons.
These are two teams that most people expect to be battling it out for the NFC South crown when we get to the end of the season. Both teams are evenly matched and the field will be littered with fantasy studs on both sides of the ball.
Week 5 NFL Best Bets
This should be a fun game. We have two very capable offenses and two decent defenses. With that said, the Falcons have a slight edge on the defensive side of the ball thanks to having better playmakers. When it comes to which offense is more talented, that's a question we probably won't know the answer to for at least another month or two.
The Bucs' offense is loaded with proven veterans who have been staples in the league for years when it comes to superstar weapons. Baker Mayfield may not be a top star, but he has established himself in this offense since coming to Tampa Bay. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on the other hand have been winning fans money and fantasy games for years now. Throw a strong running back duo comprised of Rachaad White and Bucky Irving and you have a force to be reckoned with.
The Falcons on the other hand are still trying to establish an identity. They enter the season with a bunch of uber-talented but young weapons, a quarterback trying to return from a major leg injury, and a new coaching staff. Kirk Cousins is returning from a torn Achilles last season and looks like he's been improving each week. It doesn't hurt that he has Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts, among other solid weapons, to help him along. Well, maybe we shouldn't include Pitts in that mix. The jury is still very much out on him.
The defenses are statistically very close, however, we prefer the talent and upside on the Atlanta side. When it comes to the actual defensive rankings, the Bucs rank 18th allowing 335 yards per game, and the Falcons rank 19th allowing 336 yards per game. As you can see, we're splitting hairs here if we dig into the numbers.
It wouldn't be much of a surprise to see either team claim victory in this one. Atlanta does have the better defense and home-field advantage though. Not having to travel out of town is even more amplified on these short-week games. There is no doubt that this is going to be a tough one to predict and a fun one to watch.
The Picks
Spread: Atlanta Falcons -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under: Over 44 (-110)
Moneyline: Atlanta Falcons (-125)
Player Props of the Night
Prop #1: Darnell Mooney, 50+ Receiving Yards (-105)
The Bucs lack depth at the cornerback position and can be attacked by secondary receiving options with relative ease. That is why Mooney will clear this bar on Thursday Night Football. Over the past three games, he has averaged seven targets and 70 yards per game, with his lowest output being 56 yards. This is a mark he should clear. Bet on him with confidence.
Prop #2: Ray-Ray McCloud, 40+ Receiving Yards (+130)
This is the same basic principle that we went with on Mooney. McCloud is quietly putting together a productive season and you need to take full advantage. Forty yards is a number he has cleared in three of four games this season and this is a strong matchup for him to top it once again. We are doubling down on the Falcons' secondary receiving options here.
Prop #3: Bucky Irving, 50+ Rushing Yards (+115)
The takeover in the Bucs' backfield has already happened, Vegas just hasn't fully caught up yet. He is already averaging more than 50 rushing yards per game this season and is seeing his usage rate continue to rise with each passing week. The coaches are getting more and more confident with the rookie who is clearly a better runner than White. In a few weeks, you'll look back in amazement that you were able to get these odds on this line for this player.
