Thursday Night Football features a delicious NFC South matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons. Buccaneers, also known as pirates, used to sail the seven seas and wreak havoc on villages and townships they encountered on the way. Falcons are birds of prey known for traveling at unbelievable speed while doing crazy aerial acrobatics.

If the two ever faced off in real life, I believe the Falcons would have the upper hand, as they could weave around the cannons fired from the pirate ships. However, if the Buccaneers carried muskets instead of just swords and cannons, this could prove to be an advantage. But, let’s talk about what would happen on a football field instead. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons (-2), O/U 43.5

Who’s the best team in the NFC South? This game will give us our next data point in the matter, but I don’t know if we’ll get the final answer. The Falcons lucked into a win over their fellow division-mate Saints last week with a clutch field goal in the final seconds. And in that matchup, their offense looked like it was still a step away from fully clicking. They managed to beat the Saints by scoring 26 points without an offensive touchdown.

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On the other hand, Baker Mayfield looks like he is in full control of his team and found his forever home in Tampa. Their only slip-up of the season thus far has been against Denver, which is proving to be a legitimate defense that caught them sleeping after a huge upset win the week prior.

I think Baker and the boys keep their momentum and send a message that they’re the team in the beat in the NFC South. And, if you agree with my pick or want to fade me for that weird thing about pirates battling birds in the first section, lock in your bet with the widget below!

Pick: Buccaneers Moneyline

Who’s Firing the Cannons For the Pirates?

As I said, Baker Mayfield has been tremendous for the Bucs so far this season. The Falcons have a formidable defense, but I think Mayfield will navigate his way around their coverage. When the Bucs are in the red zone, they’ve shown that they’re not afraid to throw the ball. I recognize that it’s been a down year for passing touchdowns in the league overall, but Mayfield has currently thrown the second most on the season, behind his former teammate and draft classmate Sam Darnold.

But the reason I like this prop the most is the price. Baker Mayfield has thrown a touchdown in every game this season, and the two times he only threw one were against two potentially top-five defenses come the end of the season. The Falcons’ defense is good, but not great. I was able to find this prop at plus money, so shop around for the best price.

Pick: Baker Mayfield Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns