The Buccaneers are a giant 10-point favorite this week, which points towards an extreme rushing game script.
THE BLITZ projects this game to have the 3rd-highest volume of plays run among all games this week at 132.7 plays, given the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.
THE BLITZ projects Leonard Fournette to notch 17.3 carries in this contest, on average, putting him in the 91st percentile among running backs.
Leonard Fournette has averaged 56.0 rushing yards per game this year, one of the largest marks in the NFL among RBs (79th percentile).
The Atlanta Falcons defense has produced the 5th-worst efficiency against opposing rushing attacks this year, allowing 5.30 yards-per-carry.
Cons
THE BLITZ projects the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to be the 5th-least run-centric offense on the slate this week with a 37.1% run rate, accounting for their underlying tendencies and matchup dynamics.
THE BLITZ projects Leonard Fournette to be a less important option in his offense’s rushing attack this week (68.9% projected Carry Share) than he has been this year (82.2% in games he has played).
Leonard Fournette’s running effectiveness has diminished this season, compiling a mere 3.73 yards-per-carry compared to a 5.01 mark last season.
Leonard Fournette has been among the worst running backs in the NFL at generating extra ground yardage, averaging a measly 2.37 yards-after-contact this year while checking in at the 14th percentile.