Bucs (9-4) at Falcons (8-5)
Week 15
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
TV: WTVT Channel 13, DirecTV 709.
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (in Tampa WFUS-FM, 103.5 and WDAE-AM, 620); Sirius Channel 147.
Weather: Per AccuWeather.com, despite the game being played in a souless dome, outside for tailgaters the weather will be a bit crisp with temperatures in the low 50s under mostly cloudy skies. Fans leaving the some after the game will experience temperatures in the upper 40s.
Odds: Per Bodog.com, Falcons -3.
Outlook: Joe doesn’t like the over-used cliche of “must-win” but that cliche certainly applies today. The Bucs will likely make the playoffs even with a loss but a loss pretty much dooms the Bucs to a wild card game and playing on the road. Given the Bucs putrid struggles on the road that’s not a good thing.

Joe doesn’t like the vibes he’s getting from this game. First is the Bucs are traveling after a road Monday night game. Rarely do teams play well on the road after a Monday night game.

Then of course are the Bucs struggles on the road.

Throw in the fact the Bucs are banged up on the defensive front, well, let’s just say Joe is more than a little concerned. If Jovan Haye and Chris Hovan can’t go today that puts the Bucs in a terrible position defensively.

Also, starting quarterback Jeff Garcia is hurting. Joe fully expects him to start. It’s too important of a game not to test the waters for Garcia, who has a person six-game winning streak over the Dixie Chicks.

Joe just doesn’t have a good feeling about this game. Of course, a few turnovers for the Bucs could change his mind.