The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering yet another year with expectations to make a run in the playoffs. Even though there was some roster improvement across their rivals, the Buccaneers are still expected to win the NFC South yet again. They have the chance to make an immediate statement, as they go on the road to take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
It's quite possible that quarterback Baker Mayfield could make a statement at the Falcons' expense.
FanSided Lead NFL Editor Ryan Heckman [provided some bold quarterback predictions for Week 1 for _NFL Spin Zone_](https://nflspinzone.com/week-1-qb-bold-predictions-patrick-mahomes-flops-while-aaron-rodgers-dominates-01k3vk71k6tp). Heckman predicts that Mayfield will account for four touchdowns in a Buccaneers win over the Falcons. On top of that, Heckman also predicts that rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka will have two touchdown catches.
_"We will keep this one short and sweet. Don't think the Buccaneers aren't ready to avenge going 0-2 against the Falcons in 2024. Baker Mayfield begins the season an an absolute heater, accounting for four scores,"_ writes Heckman. "_Here's another bold prediction for you:_ [_rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka_](https://thepewterplank.com/emeka-egbuka-bucs-breakout-is-happening-faster-than-anyone-expected) _catches two of them."_
Baker Mayfield predicted to account for four touchdowns vs. Falcons in Week 1
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Talk about a huge way for the Buccaneers to get revenge on the Falcons
Last year, the Buccaneers didn't have much luck against the Falcons. In their first meeting last year, the Buccaneers and Falcons reached overtime, with Atlanta picking up a win after a 45-yard touchdown catch from KhaDarel Hodge. That was a game in which the Buccaneers defense allowed Kirk Cousins to throw 509 yards and four touchdowns. In their final meeting last season, the Falcons emerged with the 31-26 win despite a late comeback attempt by Mayfield.
Yet despite those two losses to the Falcons, the Buccaneers still won the NFC South, and were a perfect 4-0 against the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers.
The Buccaneers prioritized retaining players this offseason, such as wide receiver Chris Godwin, who is expected to be sidelined for the first month of the season at minimum as he recovers from an ankle injury suffered last season. Due to Godwin's absence, the Buccaneers will obviously rely on superstar Mike Evans. But, they also have Egbuka, one of the star receivers from Ohio State.
Egbuka is known for his incredible route-running, which should only help him get past the Falcons defensive backs and find the end zone. With Mayfield throwing him the football, it could result in many touchdowns being scored throughout this season.
Buccaneers fans have waited months for football to return. Let's face it, they'd sign up for a first hame featuring Mayfield accounting for four touchdowns at the expense of the Falcons.