NFL Predictions Week 3: Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prop Bets

The Atlanta Falcons (1-1) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) are ready to face off in the first of two meetings during the 2011 regular season Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, FL.

Sunday's kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. EDT and will be televised on FOX.

Oddsmakers sent out the Falcons as one-point road favorites, but sharp money moved the line 2.5 points the other way in a matter of 24 minutes.  The total has moved up slightly from 45.5 to 46.

Proposition wagers are always a fun way to wager on a game, and I've found three that will make you money in this particular contest.

Let's get to it!

Team to Score First in the Game

The Atlanta Falcons scored first in both meetings last year and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are notoriously slow starters.

Josh Freeman is getting quite a national reputation as a come-from-behind quarterback, which allows us to cash a ticket early in this contest.

Tampa Bay has fell behind in both of its first two games this year.

Recommendation:  Atlanta Falcons (-110)

Team to Have the Most First Downs in the Game

The oddsmakers are giving too much respect for the perceived home-field advantage in this contest, especially in terms of first downs.

Yes, Tampa Bay did come away with an 18-17 advantage in this category in last year's meeting at Sunday's venue, but Atlanta has dominated the other three meetings the last two years.

The Falcons hold an 88-57 edge in first downs since the start of the 2009 season, which is giving us tremendous value.

Recommendation:  Atlanta Falcons +.5 (-110)

Longest TD of the Game

In the two meetings a year ago, three touchdowns went for over the 44.5-yard mark that oddsmakers are giving out for this proposition.

It's important to note that two of those were actual kickoff returns, but with the new kickoff rule that was implemented this year, I expect the percentage of that occurring on Sunday to drop.

Both teams want to run the football—Atlanta's Michael Turner has gained 380 rushing yards in his last four games in this series, while Tampa's LeGarrette Blount ran for 103 yards in the last meeting.

Let's anticipate all of the scoring in this contest to remain in the red zone.

Recommendation:  Under 44.5 Yards (-115)