Neither the Falcons nor the Buccaneers are going to be in the playoffs, but both teams have some motivation this weekend down south in Tampa Bay. Atlanta is seeking its first ever back-to-back winning seasons, and Tampa Bay is looking to continue the better play and save coach Raheem Morris' job.

In the end I do expect a tight hotly contested game that comes down to the wire. Both defenses have been pretty solid of late and should hold their own here.
Prediction: Bucs 17, Falcons 13

-- JUSTIN HANOVER 

The Falcons should take care of business on Sunday.

However, something says that they will not.

Call it the curse, call it bad luck, or call it just plain ole predictable, however, I have a feeling that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win this football game.

Tampa Bay has looked better of late, shocking the Saints in overtime last week after defeating an underachieving Seattle team the previous week.  It looks like the light bulb has gone on for rookie QB Josh Freeman and the Bucs, who have made a late surge to perhaps save coach Raheem Morris’ job.

Yes, Atlanta has looked better recently.  However, one has to take a look back to the last time these two teams played when the Falcons escaped with a 20-17 win at the Dome in Week 11 on a late TD from Chris Redman to Roddy White to be reminded of what they are capable of doing against the doormats of the NFC South.

Granted, Matt Ryan was hurt for most of that one and should play on Sunday.  But if the Falcons come out as flat as they did in their previous matchup, there will be no comeback this time.

That vengeful Falcon has the last laugh as Atlanta finishes the season at 8-8.
Prediction: Bucs 24, Falcons 21

-- PHIL FOLEY

For a game that has no bearing on the postseason, expect this one to be hotly contested in the presence of the Pirate Ship. The Bucs have been masterful at capitalizing on mistakes during their modest win streak, so a key will be can Matt Ryan and the Falcons limit those and sustain some drives. As tempting as it is to go with the rolling Bucs, I think Atlanta veterans like Tony Gonzalez will keep the Falcons' heads in the game.
Prediction: Falcons 20, Bucs 17

-- CHRIS BAYEE

Consensus: Bucs go from worst to three-game win streak