Buccaneers, Falcons Open NFC South Play with Divisional Clash

Falcons Look to Rebound from Loss; Buccaneers Aim for 2-0 Start

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons will meet on Sunday, Sept. 11 in a pivotal NFC South divisional matchup. The Buccaneers will be seeking a 2-0 start to the season, while the Falcons will look to rebound from a disappointing Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Buccaneers Boasting High-Powered Offense, Stout Defense

The Buccaneers enter the contest with one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Quarterback Tom Brady is coming off a record-breaking 2021 season, and the Buccaneers have added several weapons to their arsenal this season, including wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Leonard Fournette.

The Buccaneers' defense is also expected to be a force to be reckoned with. The unit finished last season ranked fifth in the NFL in points allowed and added several key players during the offseason, including cornerback Jamel Dean and linebacker Shaq Barrett.

Falcons Aim to Prove They Can Compete in NFC South

The Falcons will be looking to prove that they can compete in the NFC South after a disappointing 7-10 finish last season. The team made some significant changes during the offseason, including hiring a new head coach, Arthur Smith, and drafting quarterback Desmond Ridder.

The Falcons' offense will be led by running back Cordarrelle Patterson and wide receiver Calvin Ridley. The defense will be anchored by cornerback A.J. Terrell and linebacker Deion Jones.

Matchup to Have Major Playoff Implications

The Buccaneers and Falcons are both considered to be contenders in the NFC South, and this matchup will have major playoff implications. The winner will take an early lead in the division race, while the loser will be forced to play catch-up for the rest of the season.