The Atlanta Falcons head to Raymond James Stadium on Thursday night at 4-9 and officially out of the NFC playoff race, while the 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in must‑win mode to stay atop a crowded NFC South. This is the second meeting of 2025 between these division rivals after Tampa stole the Week 1 matchup late, and the Bucs enter as a home favorite of around 4.5–5.5 points at most sportsbooks.
Atlanta is coming off a 37-9 home embarrassment to Seattle in which Kirk Cousins threw two interceptions and the offense went 1-for-13 on third down and 0-for-4 in the red zone. Tampa Bay just lost 24-20 at home to New Orleans and has now dropped three of its last four, but still sits tied for first in the division and cannot afford another home slip in prime time.
Key Storylines and Matchups
The biggest storyline is motivation: Will Atlanta play out the season? While Tampa Bay is trying to protect its playoff path and avoid falling behind Carolina in the NFC South race.
For Atlanta, the focus is whether Cousins and a struggling offense, without Drake London again can clean up situational football against a banged‑up but still aggressive Bucs front.
On the other side, Tampa’s passing game should see the return of Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, although Cade Otten is unlikely to play, while Baker Mayfield's health improves and the return of Tristan Wirfs strengthens the offensive line against an Atlanta front that has been hit by injuries of its own.
Current Falcons Injury and Practice Report
Multiple defensive pieces and depth players headline Atlanta’s Week 15 injury picture, along with some offensive questions
Notable Falcons injuries as of December 10:
WR Drake London (knee) - DNP - OUT
WR KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder) - FP
TE Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee) - LP - QUESTIONABLE
G Chris Lindstrom (foot) - FP
DL Brandon Dorlus (groin) - LP - QUESTIONABLE
DL David Onyemata (foot) - LP (Mon.), LP (Tues.) QUESTIONABLE
CB A.J. Terrell Jr. (neck) - FP (Wed)
OLB Jalon Walker (quad) - LP - QUESTIONABLE
ILB Kaden Elliss (elbow/illness) - FP
Current Buccaneers Injury and Practice Report
Tampa Bay’s injury report is heavier on offensive line and skill talent, which directly impacts Baker Mayfield and the Bucs’ ability to exploit Atlanta’s defense.
Key Bucs injuries as of December 10:
QB Baker Mayfield (left shoulder) - FP
RB Bucky Irving (shoulder) - FP
WR Mike Evans (collarbone) - LP (Mon.), LP (Tues.) Activated from IR, expected to play.
WR Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula) - LP (Mon.), FP (Tues.), LP (Wed)
WR Jalen McMillan (neck) - LP, Activated from IR, expected to play.
TE Cade Otton (knee) - DNP - Doubtful
T Tristan Wirfs (oblique) -FP (Wed), expected to play
LB SirVocea Dennis (hip) - DNP - OUT
DB Christian Izien (neck) - FP (Wed)
OLB Haason Reddick (ankle) - FP (Wed)
CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) - FP (Wed)
S Rashad Wisdom (IR, quad) - FP - OUT
S Tykee Smith (neck/shoulder) - DNP (Mon.), DNP (Tues.), LP (Wed) - Doubtful
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