Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Full game preview

Oct 25, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn removes his hat to toss it into the stands as he walks off the field after defeating the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Atlanta won 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Why to watch

A win, and the Falcons have seven wins for the first time since 2012. A loss, and they are 0-2 inside the division and staring up at the Panthers in the NFC South. The six divisional contests are the most important games of the season, and the Falcons lost their first a couple of weeks ago.

Despite not playing at their best the past three weeks, the Falcons have come away with two wins from a possible three. At 6-1, they are not only firmly in the playoff hunt, but still in contention for a first-round bye. Earning that will require winning the NFC South, and the battle between Atlanta and the 6-0 Panthers is firmly on.

Can the Falcons get going on offense and put away a struggling Bucs team? It won’t be as easy as the 56-14 blowout a year ago, but Tampa Bay is a team in rebuild, and one that blew a 24-0 lead over Washington last week. A quick start could open the floodgates.

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