3 Things the Atlanta Falcons must do to beat Tampa

For the fourth time since Tom Brady joined the division, the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Bucs will be matched up on Sunday. So far Atlanta is 0-3 against Brady’s Bucs despite having a large lead in their second matchup.

This time around Atlanta is sitting at 5-6 and has a chance to climb back into the NFC wildcard race. Sitting one spot out of the final wildcard Atlanta needs a signature win to let their team and fanbase know this team does have a shot at making the playoffs.

While this may be what the team needs this isn’t what many pundits or fans expect from an Atlanta team that has been wildly inconsistent this season. They have been blown out three times this season and failed to score a touchdown against the Cowboys or Patriots.

Until they prove otherwise the Atlanta Falcons are overachievers that belong at the bottom of the league

Atlanta plays above their talent level when they are playing teams that are struggling as well. Wins against the Saints, Jets, Dolphins, Jaguars, and Giants have Atlanta in the NFC wildcard conversation. Of that group there isn’t an obvious quality win, upsetting Tampa would change that fact.

Among the Atlanta losses, you have games dropped to the Washington Football Team, the Sam Darnold-led Carolina Panthers, and the Eagles. All three teams are groups that a playoff roster should beat.

For Atlanta to disrupt this narrative a lot is going to have to fall their way on Sunday including these three keys for Atlanta to even keep the game close.