Buccaneers vs. Falcons final score, results: Kirk Cousins caps career night with overtime TD to KhaDarel Hodge on 'TNF'

Daniel Mader

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Buccaneers vs. Falcons final score, results: Kirk Cousins caps career night with overtime TD to KhaDarel Hodge on 'TNF' image

Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons seem to have a knack for dramatic wins. 

In Week 2, they had a last-minute comeback against the Eagles for a 22-21 win. Last week, kicker Younghoe Koo drilled a 58-yard field goal to secure a win over New Orleans. And in a prime-time Week 5 matchup against the Buccaneers on "Thursday Night Football," the Falcons did it again.

Cousins led the Falcons to a 36-30 win over Tampa Bay in overtime on Thursday, throwing for a franchise-record 509 passing yards. His touchdown pass to KhaDarel Hodge won it a few minutes into the extra frame, as Hodge darted down the middle of the field to cap an offensive explosion from Atlanta. Just prior to that, Cousins led a game-tying drive that ended with a 53-yard Koo field goal as regulation expired.

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From start to finish, the two division rivals went back-and-forth as both quarterbacks dealt. In the first half, Baker Mayfield connected with veteran WR Mike Evans twice on touchdown passes, and the Buccaneers' offense was on a roll.

However, the Falcons inched closer throughout the final two quarters as Cousins consistently found open receivers — both Drake London (154, TD) and Darnell Mooney (105 yards, two TDs) finished with over 100 receiving yards, while TE Kyle Pitts broke through with 88 yards of his own. 

Cousins certainly didn't look like a quarterback recovering from a significant injury and adjusting to a new offense on Thursday. With 42 completions, he diced up Tampa Bay's secondary and led the Falcons to a massive win, their third of the season. 

As for the Buccaneers, Mayfield looked excellent overall (19-for-24, 180 passing yards, three touchdowns), but their offense stalled in the second half. Tampa Bay has showcased its talent through Week 5, with impressive wins over some of the NFC's best teams in Washington, Detroit, and Philadelphia, but it fell apart late in this matchup and allowed Cousins and the Falcons to come storming back.

The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights from Thursday's Buccaneers vs. Falcons matchup, which resulted in yet another Kirk Cousins comeback effort. Here's what you may have missed. 

MORE: Week 5 NFL Power Rankings | Week 5 NFL picks | Week 5 NFL picks against the spread

Buccaneers vs. Falcons score

 Q1Q2Q3Q4OTF
Buccaneers101433030
Falcons710310636

Buccaneers vs. Falcons results, highlights from Week 5 'Thursday Night Football' matchup

All times ET

11:34 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — What an ending, and what another gutsy win for Atlanta. Cousins finds KhaDarel Hodge, who turns on the jets for a 45-yard touchdown that wins it for the Falcons at home. Atlanta defeats a divisional opponent in a primetime shootout to improve to 3-2 this season.

11:31 p.m. — The Falcons will start with the ball in overtime. Cousins has been outstanding tonight, entering overtime with well-over 400 passing yards.

End of regulation: Buccaneers 30, Falcons 30

11:27 p.m. — "Thursday Night Football" is headed to overtime. Koo knocks the kick through to tie it at 30, and this back-and-forth contest will continue. 

11:24 p.m. — Atlanta gets its chunk play, a 14-yard completion to London before Cousins stops the clock. The Falcons are at Tampa Bay's 29-yard line, and here comes Younghoe Koo to send the game to overtime with two seconds remaining in regulation. 

11:23 p.m. — Just 12 seconds remain. The Falcons are out of timeouts, so they'll need a quick play then another spike from Cousins to set up a game-tying field goal from Koo. 

11:21 p.m. — Looking for a quick scoring drive, Cousins completes a 17-yard pass to Mooney and a 13-yard pass to McCloud before spiking the ball.

11:19 p.m. — The Buccaneers managed to take some time off the clock, but a holding call pushed them back too far to move the chains. Kirk Cousins is getting the ball back down by three with just over a minute remaining. 

11:13 p.m. — Cousins' pass is intercepted by Lavonte David, and Tampa Bay takes over. On fourth down, the Falcons would've lost possession on an incompletion anyway, but David instead comes away with the ball with the Buccaneers in control.

11:12 p.m. — Logan Hall comes up huge with his second sack on Cousins of the game, which then sets up a 4th & 19 after the two-minute warning. It could be the last chance for Cousins and the Falcons to get back in the game. 

11:08 p.m. — Just as Tampa Bay was taking control and starting to run the clock out, Bucky Irving fumbles the ball away. The Falcons, now with possession, have a chance to either tie the game at 30 or take the lead with under three minutes remaining.

11:01 p.m. — A brutal sequence of events for Atlanta. A holding call pushed the Falcons back 10 yards, then on 3rd & 6, Mooney is wide open but drops what could've been a massive play. Instead, the Falcons attempt a potential game-tying field goal, which is then blocked at the line by the Buccaneers.

10:58 p.m. — A defensive pass interference call gives Atlanta a first down, then Cousins finds London for 15 yards.

10:54 p.m. — Robinson has a pair of short gains, setting up 3rd & 4 for the Falcons at their own 36-yard line.

Buccaneers 30, Falcons 27

10:48 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Tampa Bay only had two plays go for more than three yards on that drive, but it still resulted in points. McLaughlin's third field goal of the game, this one from 53 yards out, is good, giving the Buccaneers the lead.

10:45 p.m. — Mayfield looked shaken up at the end of his last drive, but on this one, he looks completely fine. The Buccaneers quarterback scrambles for 18 yards to move the chains. 

Buccaneers 27, Falcons 27

10:39 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Yet again, this game is tied, as Cousins and Mooney connect for the receiver's second score of the night. Mooney makes the catch moving to his left, stops on a dime then changes direction, easily running into the end zone. He's up to 88 receiving yards paired with two touchdown grabs.

End of third quarter: Buccaneers 27, Falcons 20

10:32 p.m. — In danger of going three-and-out, Cousins goes to the middle of the field to find McCloud for 22 yards, then Bijan Robinson breaks free for a 29-yard run. The Falcons' offense is moving down the field heading into the final quarter. 

Buccaneers 27, Falcons 20

10:28 p.m. FIELD GOAL — McLaughlin knocks one through the uprights from 32 yards away to push the Buccaneers' lead back to seven points.

10:26 p.m. — The Falcons get to Mayfield for the first time all night, as David Onyemata pushes Tampa Bay back seven yards with a sack. 

10:22 p.m. — Chris Godwin fumbled on a 20-yard catch to open Tampa Bay's drive. Luckily for Godwin, Mike Evans was right behind him to jump on the ball. 

Buccaneers 24, Falcons 20

10:17 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Once again, a Buccaneers sack helps slow down a Falcons drive. Anthony Nelson takes down Cousins on 2nd & 14, and the Falcons bring out Koo for another field goal soon after. From 48 yards out, Koo makes it a four-point game. 

10:13 p.m. — The Falcons go for it on a 4th & 3 and convert, picking up some extra yards while they're at it. Darnell Mooney is open and hauls in another catch, his sixth of the game.

10:08 p.m. — Drake London continues his big night. He's up to 95 yards after a 31-yard completion from Cousins, who continues to impress.

10:05 p.m. — An offensive holding call pushes the Buccaneers back 10 yards, and they can't overcome a 2nd & 18. Tampa Bay punts. 

9:59 p.m. — Tampa Bay begins the second half with the ball. 

9:48 p.m. — Mayfield went for 131 passing yards and three touchdowns in the first half, with two of those scoring passes going to Evans. Cousins, meanwhile, went 21-for-28 with 253 passing yards and two touchdowns. There's been a quarterback battle in Atlanta so far.

Halftime: Buccaneers 24, Falcons 17

9:45 p.m. — Atlanta punts the ball away, losing its opportunity to pull closer before half, and Mayfield takes a knee. Both offenses, and quarterbacks, were on fire in the first two quarters.

9:43 p.m. — The Falcons lose eight yards. Logan Hall sacks Cousins, setting up third and long. 

9:39 p.m. — Cousins is taking his open short passes as he looks to get the Falcons some points before halftime. London is already up to three catches on this drive alone, and Atlanta is moving through Buccaneers' territory. 

Buccaneers 24, Falcons 17

9:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Mayfield, now 12/15 in this game, throws an absolute dime to his college teammate, Sterling Shepard, for a four-yard touchdown. It's Shepard's first touchdown of the season, and the 24th of his career. 

9:33 p.m. — Tampa Bay did its best to reward either Irving or White, but neither can score on the goal line. That sets up a 3rd & Goal after the two-minute warning. 

9:29 p.m. — The Buccaneers' running backs are taking over on this drive. On the first play, Bucky Irving runs for 11 yards, then Rachaad White picks up another 56 yards after breaking free. The duo has put Tampa Bay inside the Falcons' 30-yard line. 

Buccaneers 17, Falcons 17

9:24 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The Falcons' drive stalls out after some solid chunk plays, but Koo makes the field goal this time around. It's from 54 yards, and it ties the game once again. 

9:21 p.m. — Drake London is back in the game after being evaluated for a concussion. Atlanta has its WR1 back in action.

9:18 p.m. — Cousins continues to play well, first finding Pitts for 18 yards, then again for eight yards. The tight end is up to 58 yards on three catches.

Buccaneers 17, Falcons 14

9:11 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — What a game Mike Evans is having. He catches his second touchdown pass of the day from Mayfield, this time a 23-yard grab. It's also career touchdown No. 100 for Evans, as he becomes the 26th player in NFL history to accomplish the feat.

9:08 p.m. — Mayfield begins the drive with a 22-yard completion to Otton.

Falcons 14, Buccaneers 10

9:05 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — On 3rd & 14, Mooney makes a terrific leaping grab as he's falling into the end zone. It's a 25-yard completion from Cousins, who's dealing in this game so far with 176 yards and two touchdowns.

9:02 p.m. — Penalties are hurting Atlanta on this drive. Kyle Pitts is called for holding, giving the Falcons a 1st & 20.

9:00 p.m. — Drake London's injury status should be monitored moving forward. If he doesn't return to the game, the Falcons will be down one of their top receivers. 

End of first quarter: Buccaneers 10, Falcons 7

8:53 p.m. — Cousins completes a pass to Mooney for seven yards as the first quarter comes to a close. 

Buccaneers 10, Falcons 7

8:51 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Chase McLaughlin connects from 53 yards to give the Buccaneers the lead. 

8:49 p.m. — Tampa Bay has the ball back, and Bucky Irving takes his first carry for 16 yards. Coming into tonight's game, Irving has averaged 5.8 yards per carry.

8:46 p.m. — Just a week removed from a 58-yard game-winning field goal, Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo misses from 41 yards out to keep this game knotted at seven apiece.

8:43 p.m. — The Buccaneers produce the game's first defensive highlight, as Vita Vea sacks Cousins for a loss of nine yards on third down. 

8:39 p.m. — Atlanta's offense is picking up where it left off. Cousins finds Darnell Mooney for 20 yards, Tyler Allgeier picks up nine yards on the ground and Ray-Ray McCloud makes a 15-yard catch, putting the Falcons in Tampa Bay territory.

Falcons 7, Buccaneers 7

8:35 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Mike Evans was as wide open in the end zone as a player can get. Chris Godwin set up 1st & Goal with a 16-yard catch, and Mayfield finishes the job with a two-yard touchdown pass to Evans. There's been a quick offensive start for both teams.

8:32 p.m. — Rachaad White hasn't been able to get much going on the ground, but Mayfield's made up for it. On another third down, he passes to Cade Otton for 15 yards to put the Buccaneers inside the Falcons' 20-yard line.

8:30 p.m. — Baker Mayfield begins his first drive with a 15-yard completion to Mike Evans. Then, on 3rd & 5, he once again goes to Evans, this time for nine yards. 

Falcons 7, Buccaneers 0

8:22 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Cousins hits London in the middle of the field, and the receiver does the rest, lowering his shoulder en route to the end zone. Atlanta needed just over three minutes to get on the board. 

8:21 p.m. — On 3rd & 7, Cousins finds WR Drake London for 15 yards. The Falcons' offense looks solid on its opening drive.

8:19 p.m. — Atlanta's second play of the night is a 32-yard completion between Cousins and Kyle Pitts, who's had a slow start to the 2024 season. Getting involved early could help the tight end put together a bigger performance this week.

 

8:17 p.m. — The Falcons receive the opening kickoff, and Kirk Cousins will get the ball in his hands first in this matchup.

8:07 p.m. — Almost time for kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both teams are seeking their second-straight win.

7:32 p.m. — Atlanta's inactive list against the Buccaneers:

7:30 p.m. — Here's a look at Tampa Bay's inactive list for tonight, which includes WRs Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer.

7:21 p.m. — Around an hour out from kickoff on "Thursday Night Football." Former Falcons QB Matt Ryan is being honored in Atlanta tonight as the team inducts him into its Ring of Honor.

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Buccaneers vs. Falcons start time

  • Date: Thursday, October 3
  • Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Thursday's matchup between the Buccaneers and Falcons will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

What channel is Buccaneers vs. Falcons on today?

The Buccaneers vs. Falcons Week 5 matchup will not be broadcast on national television in the U.S., with the only viewing options accessible through streaming on Amazon Prime and NFL+. 

Canadian viewers can watch live on TSN and CTV2 or livestream the game through DAZN NFL. 

Buccaneers schedule 2024

Here's a look at Tampa Bay's next weeks of action after its loss to the Falcons. 

DateOpponentTime (ET)
Oct. 13at Saints1 p.m.
Oct. 21vs. Ravens8:15 p.m.
Oct. 27vs. Falcons1 p.m.
Nov. 4at Chiefs8:15 p.m.
Nov. 10vs. 49ers1 p.m.

Falcons schedule 2024

Below is a look at the Falcons' next five matchups after Thursday's win over Tampa Bay. 

DateOpponentTime (ET)
Oct. 13at Panthers4:25 p.m.
Oct. 20vs. Seahawks1 p.m.
Oct. 27at Buccaneers1 p.m.
Nov. 3vs. Cowboys1 p.m.
Nov. 10at Saints1 p.m.

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Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader Photo

Daniel Mader joined Sporting News as an editorial intern in 2024 following his graduation from Penn State University. Previously, he covered Penn State, high school and local sports beats for NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. He grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.