The Atlanta Falcons (5-5) are happy to be back at home this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-9).  The Falcons have been awful on the road, with a 1-5 record including two straight losses the past two weeks.  The Falcons are a different team at home though, and are looking to stay undefeated at the Georgia Dome this season.  It shouldn’t be too difficult of a task for Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ offense to put some points up against a weak Bucs’ defense.  Even though Michael Turner is questionable (ankle) for this game, I still think the Falcons should run the ball often.  The Bucs give up 169 rushing yards per game and Jason Snelling has proven he can make some plays at running back for the Falcons.  If the Falcons give him enough carries I think Snelling may get his first 100 yard rushing game of the season.

The Falcons’ defense needs to be prepared to stop the run.  The Bucs’ do not have a reliable quarterback in Josh Freeman, who is a rookie and has 11 turnovers in just three starts.  That means the Bucs will try and win the time of possession by handing the ball off as much as possible.  Cadillac Williams will get most of the carries, but the Bucs have been using as many as three running backs to attack defenses.  The Falcons give up 126 rushing yards per game, so the Bucs will likely have some success on the ground.  The Falcons need to limit that success and not let the Bucs hang around too long in this contest.  The Falcons should beat them easily and improve to 5-0 at home.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Atlanta Falcons 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13