The 2025 NFL season gets underway in Atlanta on Sunday, where the Falcons host the defending NFC South champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Tampa Bay is fresh off its fourth straight division crown, finishing last year at 10-7. Quarterback Baker Mayfield enters the new campaign tasked with adjusting to life without two of his biggest weapons: All-Pro tackle Triston Wirfs and dependable wideout Chris Godwin. Even so, he won’t be short on firepower.
As for Atlanta, the Falcons are rolling with sophomore signal-caller Michael Penix under center. Penix's connection with Drake London figures to be a cornerstone of the passing attack, while dynamic runner Bijan Robinson — widely regarded as one of the league’s most electrifying backs outside of Saquon Barkley — should carry a heavy load on the ground.
| Date | Sunday, September 7, 2025 |
| Time | 1:00 pm ET / 12:00 pm CT/ 10:00 am PT |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta GA) |
| TV Channel | FOX |
| Streaming | Fubo |
| Buy Tickets | Stubhub |
| Odds | +110 (Falcons) | -130 (Buccaneers) |
Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster & injury news
Atlanta Falcons team news
The keys now belong to second-year quarterback Michael Penix, who will count on Drake London as his go-to target while leaning heavily on Bijan Robinson, one of the league’s most electrifying backs outside of Saquon Barkley.
The question looms—can rookie edge duo Jalon Walker and James Pearce tilt the defensive battle in the Falcons’ favor, or will the Buccaneers’ savvy, anchored by safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and the ever-reliable Lavonte David, steady the ship and even the all-time series at 32 apiece?
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Offense | Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. (QB); Tyler Allgeier, Nathan Carter, Bijan Robinson (RB); Jamal Agnew, KhaDarel Hodge, Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud III, Darnell Mooney, David Sills V, Casey Washington (WR); Feleipe Franks, Kyle Pitts Sr., Teagan Quitoriano, Charlie Woerner (TE); Matthew Bergeron, Jovaughn Gwyn, Kyle Hinton, Chris Lindstrom, Ryan Neuzil (G); Michael Jerrell, Jake Matthews, Jack Nelson, Elijah Wilkinson (OT) |
| Defense | Leonard Floyd, Zach Harrison, LaCale London (DE); Brandon Dorlus, David Onyemata, Ruke Orhorhoro (DT); JD Bertrand, Divine Deablo, Arnold Ebiketie, Kaden Elliss, DeAngelo Malone, James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker, Josh Woods (LB); Dee Alford, Natrone Brooks, Mike Ford Jr., Mike Hughes, Clark Phillips III, A.J. Terrell Jr. (CB); Jessie Bates III, Billy Bowman Jr., Jordan Fuller, DeMarcco Hellams, Xavier Watts (S) |
| Special Teams | Younghoe Koo (PK), Bradley Pinion (P), Liam McCullough (LS) |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers team news
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield heads into the opener facing an uphill climb after losing star tackle Tristan Wirfs and playmaking wideout Chris Godwin to injury.
Even so, Mayfield won’t be short on firepower. Veteran pass-catcher Mike Evans begins his pursuit of a remarkable 12th straight 1,000-yard season, rookie Emeka Egbuka looks to carry his standout preseason form into a big debut, and versatile back Bucky Irving is primed to build on his breakout rookie year as a true offensive spark.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Offense | Teddy Bridgewater, Baker Mayfield (QB); Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker, Rachaad White, Josh Williams (RB); Emeka Egbuka, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., Kameron Johnson, Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller, Sterling Shepard (WR); Devin Culp, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, Cade Otton (TE); Graham Barton (C); Ben Bredeson, Elijah Klein, Cody Mauch (G); Benjamin Chukwuma, Luke Goedeke, Charlie Heck, Tristan Wirfs (OT) |
| Defense | Logan Hall, Elijah Roberts (DE); Greg Gaines, Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea (DT); Chris Braswell, John Bullock, Lavonte David, SirVocea Dennis, Yaya Diaby, Deion Jones, Anthony Nelson, Haason Reddick, Markees Watts (LB); Jamel Dean, Josh Hayes, Zyon McCollum, Benjamin Morrison, Jacob Parrish, Kindle Vildor (CB); Christian Izien, Kaevon Merriweather, Tykee Smith, Antoine Winfield Jr., Rashad Wisdom (S) |
| Special Teams | Chase McLaughlin (PK), Riley Dixon (P), Evan Deckers (LS) |
Falcons vs Buccaneers head-to-head record
The NFC South showdown between Atlanta and Tampa Bay brings a rivalry that’s about as even as it gets. The two franchises have squared off 63 times, with the Falcons holding the slightest of edges at 32 victories to the Buccaneers’ 31.
Which channel is Falcons vs Buccaneers game on?
The Falcons vs Buccaneers game in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season will air live on FOX in the US. Fans will be able to catch the coverage onFubo (Try for free today!).
More details on where to watch the game in the United States, including streaming options, will be released soon, so keep an eye out for our dedicated coverage.
For fans outside the U.S. looking to stay plugged into the action,NFL Game Pass on DAZN is the ultimate ticket. It serves up more than 200 regular-season and playoff matchups, complete Super Bowl coverage, plus access to NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and plenty more to keep you locked in all year long.
How to buy Falcons vs Buccaneers ticket
Tickets are already up for grabs on StubHub, with entry starting at $386. From there, prices climb through the tiers — $300, $400, $500, $600, $700, $800, $900, $1,000, and stretching all the way into the premium ranges of $2,000, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $6,000, and topping out at $10,406 for the best seats in the house.
Check the link below for the full breakdown of how to purchase tickets to NFL games.
READ MORE: NFL 2025 Tickets: Prices, deals, season tickets & membership information
Falcons vs Buccaneers Fantasy Football
For Atlanta, Michael Penix Jr. steps in as a steady mid-range fantasy quarterback, showing improved decision-making and touch in the pocket. His go-to target, Drake London, looks primed for a breakout campaign with heavy volume, making him a lineup lock. Meanwhile, Bijan Robinson is a no-brainer starter—his mix of power, quickness, and receiving chops makes him one of the most dynamic backs in the league and a centerpiece of the Falcons’ attack.
On Tampa Bay’s side, Baker Mayfield brings veteran poise, though fantasy managers should temper expectations with Atlanta’s fierce pass rush looming. Mike Evans remains the unquestioned WR1 and a safe start, but with Chris Godwin Jr. sidelined and Jalen McMillan banged up, the Bucs’ wideout depth is thin. The real value play comes in the backfield with Bucky Irving, who projects to handle the bulk of touches and offers strong PPR potential. Rachaad White, battling injuries and a reduced role, is best left on the bench for Week 1.
Fantasy Takeaways:
- Roll with Atlanta's trio of Penix Jr. (15.6 fpts for Week 1), London (17.8 fpts for Week 1), and Robinson (20.2 fpts for Week 1).
- Fire up Evans and Irving from Tampa Bay.
- Tread carefully with Mayfield (20.4 fpts for Week 1), who fits as a mid-tier option.
- Fade White until his role and health clear up.
- Keep tabs on the Bucs' receiver situation, as late injury updates could shake up target shares
Falcons vs Buccaneers Game Predictions
Bijan Robinson and Drake London once again showcase why they’re considered among the cream of the crop, consistently ripping off explosive gains to keep Atlanta’s attack humming.
Still, Baker Mayfield finds a way through the storm, delivering clutch throws in pivotal moments to outduel a sharp and disciplined Falcons secondary.
Heading into this season’s opener, the projection models lean toward Tampa Bay. Based on simulations, roster health, and how the two squads stack up on both sides of the ball, the Buccaneers are given a 56.9% chance of leaving Atlanta with the win.
Falcons vs Buccaneers Odds
Spread: Buccaneers -1.5 (-130), Falcons +1.5 (+110)
Total: 47.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Moneyline: +110 (Falcons) | -130 (Buccaneers)
More NFL news and coverage
- Falcons 2025 NFL schedule: TV channel, livestream & where to watch the games
- Buccaneers 2025 NFL schedule: TV channel, livestream & where to watch the games
- How to watch and live stream NFL football for free and without cable
- 2025 fantasy football rankings: Running back (RB) | Wide receiver (WR) | Tight end (TE) | Quarterback (QB)