Ye' ol' trap game, ATL/TB

The last 2 monday night games we have had much better teams on the road against an inferior division rival and I have been the recipient of wins in both those games as the hapless Bengals (+4) covered against the Steelers and the Dolphins won outright against the Patriots as an 11 point dog. Truth be told, both the home teams controlled the games and it took a last second FG by the Steelers to beat the Bungles. This game sets up just the same, however, ATL comes in off a huge win over the Saints and in fact, after tonights game, they have to play both the Saints and the Panthers. Yea, lowly TB is sandwiched in between. Ye' ol' trap game. On paper, an ez win for ATL.  Not so fast my friends, thank you Lee Corso. The last 5 games these 2 have played TB has scored 125 points, 25 per game and Jameis did not play in the 14 point loss 3 weeks ago in ATL. TB is banged up, no doubt, McCoy and David are out, the leaders on defense for TB. This just gives someone else, someone fresh and not beat up, an opportunity to prove themselves in a game that quite frankly means nothing to TB, just to play spoiler. Last year, Jameis threw 7 TD's and only 1 pick vs ATL, Super bowl Atlanta. If only he could avoid those occasional ill-timed turnovers, he has the talent to be a really good NFL QB. As a Tampa bay resident I know the rumors are swirling about Dirk Koetters job. He will reach deep into his playbook tonight, he has to.  Expect Winston and the Bucs passing game to be in high gear, they're going to chuck it come hell or high water. Expect the unexpected from TB tonight. I believe they'll have enough success to keep it close, who knows, maybe even win. Hey, did you really think Miami would beat New England and embarrass them in the process? That's what I thought-

TAMPA BAY +6.5

Good luck and happy holidays to all!

Steinway and Zebra, thank you for your personal interpretation. The trap for ATL is the "sandwich effect," coming off a big win now up against a much lesser opponent who they may show up for with less intensity and emotion, doesn't matter what division, league, conference, etc., and then having to play 2 other opponents in the next 2 weeks who will surely gather their attention. This is not matter of semantics however, its simply sharing my opinion about a game and the opportunity to cash in. 

RR you could be right, I pegged the Bengals to lay down after the Steelers loss and that's exactly what they've done. We'll find out who's playing for a job next year and I will say something about Jameis Winston, he's fiery and a competitor. Last week they were down big to Detroit and fought back only to lose on a late FG, that showed at least then they did not give up. But I suppose we will find out tonight. GL RR

Nice write-up and logic here. I can't bet against my birds... but best of luck to you! Thanks again for the insight. I'll just be watching... might put a little in the over. 

Suzy Kolber lookin' particularly good tonite. Even the girlfriend was impressed

Congrats Bucs backers, scotty0129, u learned something tonite, I think only as much as I need. SK24, as I said very beat up, and how many players did they lose during the game? I lost track.