The Atlanta Falcons just did what few teams have managed this season: they stopped the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers. Now the Falcons carry that spark south to Raymond James Stadium, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off an even louder 43-13 win over Carolina. On Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, two NFC South rivals will meet with a chance to turn one big Week 7 victory into a true season-changing run.

Atlanta is 3-4, but its win over San Francisco showed the kind of team new coach Kevin Stefanski hopes to build. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw three touchdown passes, while the defense grabbed four takeaways, meaning it stole the ball four times. That mix of bold offense and timely defense can be hard to stop.

Penix has a powerful left arm, but Atlanta’s engine is Bijan Robinson. Robinson has rushed for 704 yards in seven games, and he can hurt defenses in several ways. He can squeeze through a crowded lane, sprint around the edge, or catch a short pass and race into open space. Tampa Bay has allowed fewer than 300 yards per game, so the Buccaneers will try to keep Robinson from turning small openings into long runs.

If Tampa Bay crowds the line to slow Robinson, Penix can look toward Drake London. London has 616 receiving yards, using his 6-foot-4 frame to reach tough throws. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. adds another problem near the goal line, where his four touchdown catches make him a key target. The Falcons must protect Penix, especially with several injured offensive linemen unavailable or uncertain.

Tampa Bay answers with its own quick, dangerous runner. Bucky Irving has already raced for 558 yards and four touchdowns. His sharp cuts can turn a normal run into a chase, and his success helps take pressure off quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield brings energy and a fearless throwing style, but he has appeared in only four games and has lost three fumbles. Against a Falcons defense that found its ball-hawking side last week, careful decisions will matter.

The Buccaneers also need to watch the health of wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who is questionable with concussion and foot concerns. Egbuka leads the team with 28 catches in six games and has become a major piece of the passing attack. If he plays, his speed after the catch could challenge an Atlanta defense allowing 344.4 yards per game. Chris Godwin can also help Mayfield by working the middle of the field and fighting for extra yards.

This game looks like a race between Atlanta’s young stars and Tampa Bay’s sturdy home-field push. The Buccaneers have won two of their last three and give up only 21.6 points per game, which gives them a real path. Still, Atlanta has more offensive yardage, the better record, and fresh proof that it can finish a hard game. Prediction: The Falcons will win behind Robinson’s all-around impact and another poised effort from Penix.

Falcons Bring Fresh Momentum to Tampa Bay