Atlanta Falcons: Breaking down the 2015 division games

Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) drops back against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs will pose a tougher threat than people may believe this season, and it’s all because of their new leader on offense. Jamies Winston is far from the finished article, and it’s going to take time for him to reach his full potential, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see it in bursts in 2015, and this can make Tampa Bay a slip-up team.

The Falcons will need to make sure it doesn’t happen to them. Drafting Winston and adding players to support him was the biggest target for the Buccaneers this offseason, which means they weren’t able to address their defense. There are still holes on that side of the football, and Atlanta will need to exploit it with balanced offense.

While the Buccaneers added offensive linemen, it’s still very much a problem area for them. In 99 drop backs during preseason, Winston was sacked seven times. The Falcons will need to ramp up the pressure on the rookie and force him into mistakes. And he will be prone to those mistakes; this is to be excepted in his first year.

Due to his inconsistencies, I think the Falcons will be too strong home and away.

Prediction: Sweep

Next: New Orleans Saints