The third week of the 2014 National Football League season is here, and the Atlanta Falcons take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFL Thursday Night Football NFC South showdown.

Both teams suffered extremely disappointing 2013 seasons combining for just eight wins. With the New Orleans Saints struggling, the Falcons and Buccaneers have a chance to take advantage this week.

Latin Post previews the game, predicts a winner and lets you vote on who will win:

Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

The Falcons stunned the Saints in Week 1 when they intercepted quarterback Drew Brees in the end zone and pulled off a dramatic comeback. The Falcons would go on to win the game 37-34 in overtime thanks to a Matt Bryant 52-yard field goal. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they would drop to 1-1 after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense is almost always effective at home. The crowd noise isn't equal to Seattle's Century Link Field, but opposing quarterbacks can still have trouble calling plays. This is a must-win game for a Falcons team that has made the playoffs three of the last four seasons. Expect Julio Jones to have a good game receiving.

The X-factor player for the Falcons is Devin Hester. The 31-year-old has made his legacy as a punt returner, but he is improving as a wide receiver. He's also very familiar with Coach Smith, having played for him with the Chicago Bears.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2)

The Buccaneers had a rebuilding offseason. They hired a new head coach, Lovie Smith, and they brought in a new quarterback, Josh McCown. It's unlikely the Buccaneers will go far this season, but they are building for a better future.

It's going to be tough to go in to Atlanta and steal a victory, especially considering the fact running back Doug Martin might not even be playing. McCown is going to have to be on his "A" game. The Buccaneers lost their home opener to the Carolina Panthers, and then lost a heart-breaker on the final drive to the St. Louis Rams.

The Falcons offensive line hasn't allowed a single sack so far this year, so the Buccaneers defensive line is in for a tough test. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (shown above) is a game-time decision.

Although the Falcons offense has been great the first two weeks, their defense isn't exactly taking the league over. The Falcons have allowed 58 total points in their first two games.

Schedule, How to Watch

The Buccaneers will face the Falcons at the Georgia Dome at 8:30 p.m. EST on the NFL Network. Watch live stream of the game though NFL Sunday Ticket.

Predictions

The Buccaneers running game has been good, and Lovie Smith knows how to coach, but the Falcons offense will be too much. Matt Ryan and company will most likely score over 24 points forcing McCown to throw a lot. It's unlikely we will see an upset in Atlanta.

Falcons win 31-24.

For up-to-date sports news, scores, and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter

FOR MORE NFL NEWS, TRADE AND FREE AGENCY UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE