Squirrel’s Nuts & Bolts: Falcons - Buccaneers Showdown Strategy (Week 15 NFL DFS)

Dec 11, 2025

Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Week 15 of the NFL season kicks off with an NFC South showdown between the Falcons and Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay is tied for first place in the division with Carolina at 7-6, while the Falcons sit at 4-9 and have been eliminated from the playoffs. Tampa Bay is favored by 4.5 points at home with the game total set at 44.5 points.

Tampa Bay has dealt with injuries on offense throughout the season, but is approaching full health for this game. Baker Mayfield is tied for 10^th in the league with 20 touchdown passes (against 6 interceptions), but likely has his full wide receiver corps available for the first time this season. WRs Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan are set to return from injuries, with McMillan making his season debut. With Evans, McMillan, and Chris Godwin all missing significant time this year, rookie Emeka Egbuka leads the team with 54 receptions and 806 receiving yards. The running game has also dealt with injuries, but Bucky Irving returned two weeks ago after missing two months and has put up 162 total yards and two touchdowns over the two games. Tight End Cade Otton looks likely to miss this game, putting Payne Durham into the starting role, but Durham has only one reception for 11 yards on the season.

The Atlanta offense has struggled this season, putting up the sixth-fewest points per game in the NFL, and has struggled even more with Kirk Cousins taking over at QB after Michael Penix’s season-ending injury three weeks ago. Cousins has thrown for three touchdowns and three interceptions over his last three starts, with the Falcons averaging 19.0 points per game. Part of the problem could be the absence of Drake London, leaving WR Darnell Mooney and TE Kyle Pitts as the primary pass-catchers, supported by reserve WRs David Sills and Dylan Drummond. Bijan Robinson continues to lead the running game, ranking fourth in the league with 1,081 rushing yards, but Tyler Allgeier continues his frustrating red zone role with eight rushing touchdowns compared to Robinson’s five rushing touchdowns.

This game should be a tough divisional matchup, and it is an important game for Tampa Bay and their playoff hopes. Let’s break down this NFC South showdown, highlight the key plays, and uncover the strategies that could help you climb the leaderboards.