Two teams with hopes to secure an NFC South title in 2024 are set to meet in a primetime Week 5 matchup.
On “Thursday Night Football,” the Buccaneers will take their 3-1 record to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the Falcons, who are 2-2 this season with impressive wins over Philadelphia and New Orleans.
For Tampa Bay, QB Baker Mayfield comes into the matchup on a roll. Through four games, Mayfield has thrown for 984 yards and eight touchdowns against just two interceptions, and entering Week 5, he trails only the Vikings’ Sam Darnold in touchdown passes.
The Buccaneers won the NFC South in 2023, but this season, they’re looking to build upon their eventual loss to the Lions in the divisional round of the playoffs. Mayfield and the Bucs did win a playoff game last season, a 32-9 rout over the Eagles, the same team they thoroughly took care of in Week 4 of this season.
On the other side of the field, Atlanta does have two losses in its new era under Kirk Cousins, but both were one-score losses against two AFC playoff contenders in Pittsburgh and Kansas City. The Falcons have found a way to remain involved in all four of their contests so far, but they should only get better throughout the season as Cousins continues his adjust from his injury recovery and to his new offense.
Despite weapons like RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts at his disposal, Cousins has spread the ball around often so far. WR Darnell Mooney leads the team in receiving entering Week 5 with 225 yards.
As these two teams kick off Week 5 of the NFL season, each will seek an head-to-head advantage over a division rival in an NFC South race that likely has three playoff contenders.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates and highlights from Thursday’s Buccaneers vs. Falcons matchup. Follow along with all the action below.
MORE: Week 5 NFL Power Rankings | Week 5 NFL picks | Week 5 NFL picks against the spread
Buccaneers vs. Falcons score
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | F | |
| Buccaneers | – | – | – | – | – |
| Falcons | – | – | – | – | – |
Buccaneers vs. Falcons live updates, highlights from Week 5 ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup
All times ET
8:07 p.m. — Almost time for kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both teams are seeking their second-straight win.
Preheating the oven 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/hIdipXCClQ
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 3, 2024
7:32 p.m. — Atlanta’s inactive list against the Buccaneers:
Kaleb McGary and Ruke Orhorhoro will be ACTIVE tonight vs. Tampa Bay
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 3, 2024
7:30 p.m. — Here’s a look at Tampa Bay’s inactive list for tonight, which includes WRs Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer.
Inactives for Week 5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/Owr3kea0E3
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 3, 2024
7:21 p.m. — Around an hour out from kickoff on “Thursday Night Football.” Former Falcons QB Matt Ryan is being honored in Atlanta tonight as the team inducts him into its Ring of Honor.
.@M_Ryan02 is back where it all began, with his whole family in tow 🫶🥹#TBvsATL — 8:15pm ET on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/xRqTdXw5Qu— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2024
WEEK 5 FANTASY RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Buccaneers vs. Falcons start time
- Date: Thursday, October 3
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Thursday’s matchup between the Buccaneers and Falcons will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
What channel is Buccaneers vs. Falcons on today?
The Buccaneers vs. Falcons Week 5 matchup will not be broadcast on national television in the U.S., with the only viewing options accessible through streaming on Amazon Prime and NFL+.
Canadian viewers can watch live on TSN and CTV2 or livestream the game through DAZN NFL.
Buccaneers schedule 2024
Here’s a look at Tampa Bay’s next weeks of action after its Thursday matchup with the Falcons.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Oct. 13 | at Saints | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 21 | vs. Ravens | 8:15 p.m. |
| Oct. 27 | vs. Falcons | 1 p.m. |
| Nov. 4 | at Chiefs | 8:15 p.m. |
| Nov. 10 | vs. 49ers | 1 p.m. |
Falcons schedule 2024
Below is a look at the Falcons’ next five matchups after Thursday’s game.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Oct. 13 | at Panthers | 4:25 p.m. |
| Oct. 20 | vs. Seahawks | 1 p.m. |
| Oct. 27 | at Buccaneers | 1 p.m. |
| Nov. 3 | vs. Cowboys | 1 p.m. |
| Nov. 10 | at Saints | 1 p.m. |
