Monday Night – Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

We close out Week 15 with another fun matchup as two of the NFL’s best wide receivers square off at Raymond James Stadium. Mike Evans and Julio Jones will take turns trying to take over this game with leaping catches and one-handed snags between defenders. These guys have truly become superstars on the outside and their quarterbacks only need to get the ball close for these two to go up and haul in another spectacular catch. It’s going to be fun to watch them trade big plays in this divisional matchup.

Keys to the Game

Falcons

Atlanta’s best bet down in Tampa will be to run up the score. As good as the Winston-Evans connection is, I don’t see them being able to keep up with the high-flying Falcons’ offense. Especially when Vic Beasley is bearing down on Jameis play after play. Obviously, you’re taking a chance by putting the ball in Tampa’s best player’s hands every play by forcing them to pass, but the Falcons shouldn’t’ have any trouble outscoring them. Not to mention, Atlanta’s defense should be able to hold their own and force a few stops to open up a big lead.

Bucs

Tampa would benefit from being able to run the ball in this matchup with Atlanta. Their defense is coming along but won’t be able to contend with the league’s most potent offense, especially when you’re talking about trying to defend the best receiver in the league. Julio Jones is just about uncoverable. Therefore, the best strategy is to keep him on the sidelines, the only place he can’t hurt you. If the Bucs can get their running game going, it will open up more room down the field for Mike Evans to work on “mossing” Falcons defensive backs and coming down with a victory.