Buccaneers vs. Falcons: Bold predictions for Week 17

The Buccaneers are back home this week to face off against the Falcons for round two. Tampa Bay has clinched the playoffs, but are still looking to lock in the number five seed with a win.

Who will hit on their bold predictions for Week 17?

David: End 2020 solid and start 2021 with a bang. Just like we should all hope to, the Bucs are coming out looking to establish themselves for the next 300+ days to come. This means Mike Evans gets his 1,000 yards. Ronald Jones II gets his 1,000 yards. And Ryan Succop is making 100% of his kicks with at least three tries.

Jason: The Buccaneers are looking to stay undefeated in 2021 as they head to the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. It all starts with this week’s dress rehearsal against the Falcons. In the first go-round, Tom Brady threw for over 320 yards in the second half alone. He then proved he can repeat that same performance the following week, but in the first half, against the Lions putting up 340 yards. It’s time for Brady to put it all together.

I don’t feel they’ll have the significant lead heading into the half like they did last week, but I do believe Brady could put up some remarkable numbers again. With the defense hindered by COVID, this has to be offensive game. I also think they will shut down the rushing game to reduce risk of injury. My bold prediction this week is that Brady will throw for over 400 yards, and he will throw for 5 touchdowns amongst his many aerial weapons.

James: Well, part of my prediction on the latest Locked On Bucs podcast was that Devin White was going to have another hat trick of sacks this week but that apparently isn’t going to happen now. So, instead, I’ll move my bold prediction to the offensive side of the ball. Mike Evans will get over 40 yards receiving in the first quarter, Tom Brady will throw touchdown passes to Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, and Rob Gronkowski while only having five incompletions on the day. Hey - it’s the last regular season game. Go big or go home, right?

Evan: No Shaquil Barrett, no Devin White? No problem. Todd Bowles is still here. Anthony Nelson gets two sacks and Kevin Minter gets one pick this week thanks to Bowles’ creativity.

Bailey: In one final tuneup before the playoffs, some unsung Bucs are going to step up and contribute as the team gets to 11-5 for the first time since 2005. I’m talking a sack from Kevin Minter, an interception for Ross Cockrell, a touchdown catch for Tyler Johnson and a rushing touchdown for Ke’Shawn Vaughn.

Editor’s Pick by Gil Arcia: These are some terrific bold predictions for this week. I’ve always been a fan of Anthony Nelson and looked for him to be a decent contributor out of college, but it hasn’t really transpired. I also like the idea of Evans and Jones getting 1,000 yards respectively. However, the weather forecast doesn’t look all that great leading up to kick off. So because of potentially bad field conditions, I’m rolling with Bailey this week. I think we’ll see a lot of the not-so-big names playing often and contributing in big ways to somewhat “rest” the starters and have them healthy for the playoffs.