Buccaneers: Players to watch against the Falcons in Week 15

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Who are the five Buccaneers to watch against the Falcons in Week 15?

This week the Buccaneers get a Monday night game against their division rival Atlanta Falcons.  In 2017, the teams are at opposite ends of the playoff spectrum.

The Falcons are looking to improve their record vying for a second consecutive division crown, while the Buccaneers are in evaluation mode to see what they have for next year and beyond. Oh, and they’ve been eliminated from the playoffs.

We’ve seen these two face each other 48 times, with each side taking 24 a piece.  You’d be hard-pressed to find a more even history of two teams.

The Falcons have scored a total of 1,003 points to 1,031 points scored for Tampa.    Currently, the Falcons have a two-game win streak against the Bucs, but before that, they had lost three straight.

Many people are expecting a dominant performance from the reigning NFC champs.  This might not be the case as the Buccaneers have the opportunity to play spoiler a role that they could revel in the last three weeks of the season against the three division teams all fighting for a playoff spot and a divisional championship.

This week the home team is coming off their second consecutive loss by six point or less and are in the midst of a three-game losing streak.  Atlanta meanwhile, is trying to get back on a winning streak as they have dropped one each in their last two games, but are 4-1 in their previous five.

The last time the teams met in Week 12 the Buccaneers lost by a score of 34-20.  This time they might fare better, and these are the players most likely to make the difference.