Buccaneers at Bills: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
We’re getting ready to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills clash in Orchard Park, New York. Which team will prevail in this contest?
It was supposed to be a meeting between two of the up-and-coming teams in the league, both of which had gotten off to respectable starts this year. But while the Buffalo Bills own a 3-2 record and will be rested for this tilt, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are suddenly reeling after two consecutive losses and the possible absence of their up-and-coming quarterback.
Third-year pro Jameis Winston suffered a sprained shoulder in the first half of last Sunday’s 38-33 loss at Arizona. Veteran signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick entered the game and nearly led the team to a wild comeback win. Now it appears he could very easily get the nod this week up in Orchard Park, a place the well-traveled performer is certainly familiar with.
But what really bears watching is that erratic Tampa defense. Mike Smith’s unit entered Week 7 next-to-last in the NFL in fewest passing yards allowed per game. Could Bills’ quarterback Tyrod Taylor and his teammates be getting ready to exploit this unit?
Odds
Line: NA
Over/Under: NA
As of Wednesday evening, this game remained off the board via the consensus at SportsBook Review. Of course, that’s due to the fact that Winston’s status for the game remained uncertain. Regardless of who they have played this season, the Bills have limited each of their five opponents this season to 20 points or less.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could well be without Jameis Winston for this matchup. In any case, keep in mind that regardless of who’s running the show for Dirk Koetter’s team on Sunday, Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott is more than familiar with the system due to his many years with the Carolina Panthers. It would not be a surprise to see the Buffalo offense have a breakout game against a defensive unit that has had its struggles on the road so far this season.
Pick: Bills 22, Buccaneers 17