Here are three key matchups for the game:
Bucs TE O.J. Howard vs Falcons LB Devondre Campbell: Howard, the Bucs' first-round pick out of Alabama, has 17 catches for 279 yards and four touchdowns. He caught 6-of-6 targets for 98 yards and two touchdowns against Buffalo on Oct. 22. He had three catches for 52 yards last week in the Bucs' win over the Dolphins. The Falcons have allowed just two touchdowns to tight ends this season and Campbell has been instrumental in helping the defense slow down tight ends. He has four passes defensed.
Bucs WR Mike Evans vs. Falcons CB Desmond Trufant: Evans leads the Bucs in receptions (45) and yards receiving (624) and has four touchdowns. He caught five passes for 92 yards last week against Miami after serving his one-game suspension for shoving Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Trufant returned a Russell Wilson interception 43 yards against the Seahawks last week. The Falcons are playing more man-to-man defense, but the Bucs are not expecting Trufant to match up with Evans all game.
Bucs CB Brent Grimes vs. Falcons WR Julio Jones: Grimes started his career with the Falcons after being scouted by Bruce Plummer at Shippensburg. He developed into a Pro Bowl cornerback. He's instinctive and athletically gifted. Jones has just one touchdown pass this season and is basically being used as a decoy in the red zone. The team's fourth receiver Justin Hardy has two touchdowns catches. Jones leads the Falcons in receptions (54) and yards receiving (786).
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