Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sun. Sept. 25, 2011 4:15 p.m. EST

Last week the Atlanta Falcons were able to redeem themselves for their devastating loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 1 (30-12) by pulling out an impressive win over the revamped Philadelphia Eagles, 35-31. Even though superstar quarterback Michael Vick was knocked out in the fourth quarter and the Eagles offense fell flat after the injury, the Falcons played very well against a very good defense and showed that they are still a legitimate Super Bowl title contender despite getting off to a rough start right out of the gate in Week 1.

This week the Atlanta Falcons will have their work cut out for them once again as they will go on the road to face off against the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs got off to a rough start as well this season as they lost their Week 1 showdown with the up-and-coming Detroit Lions, but they were able to bounce back in Week 2 as well with a come-from-behind win over Donovan McNabb and the Minnesota Vikings (24-20).

Not only will Week 3’s matchup between these two legitimate playoff contenders be huge as one of these two will have a losing record after the final whistle, but this game has big division and playoff implications as both teams are fighting for the NFC South division title.

With the Carolina Panthers being better than expected with rookie quarterback Cam Newton under center and the New Orleans Saints seemingly back to form with Drew Brees playing at an MVP level, the NFC South division is arguably the most competitive division in the NFL this season with every game being vital for all four teams.

As of right now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favored to win this NFC South divisional battle with a -1 point spread. Even though the Bucs will put up a fight on their home field, I believe the Falcons are the better all-around team and will be onto their second win of the season.

Take the Falcons at +1.

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