Tampa Bay @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 30, 2018 ) Atlanta 34, Tampa Bay 32

The Atlanta Falcons are a different team since their bye week and look to put the clamps on a third straight opponent when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Atlanta yielded an average of 31.3 points in losing seven of its first eight games before realizing its defensive potential with consecutive victories at New Orleans 26-9 and at Carolina 29-3.

"This was the defense we expected to be playing from the start of the season," Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver told reporters. "Guys are communicating more and getting to the ball quicker. But in terms of the schemes, everything is the same." Atlanta has won five straight in the series with an average of nearly 60 combined points scored in those games and since Tampa Bay is last in the NFL in points allowed at 31.3 per contest, Sunday's game could become a shootout if the Buccaneers' Jameis Winston takes care of the ball. That is a big if, though, as the fifth-year quarterback has thrown an NFL-most 18 interceptions - including four in a 34-17 loss to New Orleans last week - and has eight fumbles over the last five games. “I think the hardest thing to teach in this league is a quarterback who can get himself out of trouble and make some plays,” quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen told reporters after Tampa Bay lost for the fifth time in six games. "… When do you cut your losses and get rid of the ball and punt it? These guys are wired such that it’s hard for them to give up on a play. You know, I get frustrated like he does, like fans do, like everybody does. …"

TV: 1 p.m., FOX. LINE: Falcons -4. O/U: 51.5

ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (3-7): Winston, who is nursing an ankle injury, has thrown for more than 300 yards in five straight games - a franchise record and the longest active streak in the NFL. Mike Evans made eight catches in his last two games after recording 23 - three for touchdowns - in the previous two contests. Linebacker Shaquil Barrett has 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in five road games this season.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (3-7): Matt Ryan (69.2 percent completion rate, 18 touchdown passes, nine interceptions) moved past Warren Moon and into 10th place all-time with 49,383 yards after throwing for 311 with a score last week. Wide receiver Julio Jones has 102 catches for 1,695 yards and 11 TDs in 14 games against Tampa Bay - all the most versus any opponent. Atlanta has the third-worst rushing offense in the league at 74.5 yards per game with top producer Devonta Freeman averaging 41.2.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Winston, who grew up about 160 miles from Atlanta in Bessemer, Ala., told reporters there will be about 80 family members present Sunday.

2. Atlanta WR Calvin Ridley matched a career best with eight catches last week while registering 143 yards and a touchdown, giving him eight TDs in eight career games versus the NFC South.

3. Buccaneers TE Cameron Brate had a career-high 10 receptions last week after recording 15 in the first nine games.

PREDICTION: Falcons 31, Buccaneers 21