Atlanta Falcons find themselves relying on Lamar Jackson in NFC South race

Obviously, any game including Tom Brady will find Atlanta Falcons fans actively rooting for the other side tonight, however, is a bit different when you consider the potential stakes.  The Bucs are reeling after losing to the Steelers and Panthers in back-to-back weeks. Games that were penciled in as easy wins and honestly considering the roster talent should have been wins for Tom Brady’s Bucs.

Whatever the reason for Brady’s struggles this season the offense has been ugly and Tampa stumbling has brought every NFC South team back into the picture. Even the Panthers who are already selling off pieces of their team are still in the division race.

Tonight Tampa takes on Baltimore in Tampa on a short week after a heartbreaking loss. Everything about this game points to an ugly low-scoring game fans are accustomed to watching on Thursday nights.

Lamar’s Ravens have consistently collapsed at the end of games this season and should be in a far better position. Their record isn’t an indication of how they have actually played the majority of the season but points to just how terribly this team routinely collapses.

Add in Tom Brady who always seems to find a way (before this season) to fight back into games and this game should be entertaining for all the wrong reasons.

For Atlanta, a Ravens win suddenly gives them the inside track to the division lead with an easy schedule over the next five weeks and Carolina up next on Sunday.

A big night from Lamar Jackson and the Ravens should be enough to give Atlanta the division lead and the chance to establish themselves are true playoff contenders on Sunday.  Rarely has week eight meant meaningful football for Atlanta over the last four years but Arthur Smith’s culture change has clearly made Atlanta shocking contenders something they can establish themselves as with one more rough week from Tom Brady and a much-needed win for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.