5. Atlanta vs. 12. Tampa Bay
How Atlanta can win: The Falcons will have trouble slowing the Buccaneers’ dominant defensive front, so the key will be beating it with play action. Hall of Fame QB Fran Tarkenton has the mobility to find space and get the ball to TE Shannon Sharpe and WR Calvin Johnson. On defense, Atlanta must stop Tampa’s duo of Marlon Mack and Chris Johnson at running back. If the Falcons can force Bucs QB Shaun King to try and beat them, they will be in great shape. — Matt Urben, Falcons Wire
How Tampa Bay can win: The Bucs always have been at their best when relying on Hall of Fame defenders, and that’s exactly what they’ll need to do in this matchup. Warren Sapp will have to collapse the pocket from the inside, while Ray Lewis will need to come up with a couple of his signature big plays to slow down Atlanta’s offense. Look for Tampa Bay to pound the rock on offense with the two-headed monster of Chris Johnson and Marlon Mack, hoping for some big plays of their own on offense. Some of Shaun King’s “Monday Night Football” magic wouldn’t hurt, either. — Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire
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Other matchups:
Hou vs Den / LAC vs Buf / Jax vs KC / Cin vs Ten / Pit vs Bal / Cle vs Ind / NYJ vs LV / Mia vs NE // Dal vs Min / Was vs NYG / SF vs Sea / Car vs Ari / LAR vs GB / Phi vs Det / NO vs Chi