Buccaneers vs. Bills: Preview, score prediction for Week 7

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are preparing to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 of the NFL season. The Bills entered their bye last week in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC East. However, they now find themselves a half-game behind the New England Patriots, who defeated the New York Jets last week. The Bills will certainly be looking to make up that game this week and regain the top spot in the division.

As for Tampa, the Bucs are coming off of a 38-33 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals in which they were outscored 31-0 to start the game. Despite losing starting quarterback Jameis Winston in the first half of the game to a shoulder injury, the Bucs battled back in the second half. Although they still came up short, it was a good sign to see veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick effective run this offense. Winston’s injury isn’t considered to be serious.

Winston will play, but will they have enough to topple a stingy Bills team on Sunday?

Keys to Victory

The key for the Buffalo Bills is getting their offense into a rhythm to compete with the Buccaneers. The Bills enter this game ranked 31st in offensive yards gained and 27th in points scored, averaging just 17.8 points per game. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are ranked fourth in offensive yards gained, outgaining the Bills by over 110 yards per game.

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Additionally, Tampa Bay is averaging 23.6 points per game. The Bills have relied on their defense to secure wins this season, yet Tampa Bay may be the most explosive offense they have faced all season. Buffalo needs to find a way to score early and often to secure this game, as the Bucs proved their ability to rally as they outscored the Cardinals 33-7 in the final 23 minutes of last week’s game.

The Buccaneers will need to protect the ball and avoid turnovers, especially in the passing game. Of Tampa Bay’s three losses this season, two have come when Tampa Bay throws multiple interceptions. Winston threw three interceptions in Tampa’s 34-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 and Fitzpatrick threw two interceptions after coming in for Winston last week. In Tampa’s two wins this season, as well as their 19-14 loss to the New England Patriots, Winston did not throw any interceptions.

Unfortunately, both quarterbacks on Tampa’s roster have a history with turnovers. In 2016, Winston and Fitzpatrick (then starting for the Jets) threw the second and third most interceptions in the league, respectively. In 2015, Winston and Fitzpatrick tied for fifth most in the league. No matter who is under center on Sunday, interceptions remain a problem that needs to be fixed if they stand a chance at winning.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Buffalo -3
Moneyline: Buffalo -155, Tampa Bay +135
Over/Under: 45

Odds via 5Dimes on Sportsbook Review

Next: 2017 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 7

Prediction

Fitzpatrick did enough in Week 6, throwing three touchdowns as the Buccaneers attempted a comeback against Arizona, that I have faith in him even if Winston is ruled out. Additionally, Fitzpatrick has experience in playing the Bills as a two-year starter for the division rival Jets. In 2016, Fitzpatrick defeated the Bills twice, combining for three touchdowns and no interceptions. This experience will not only help him but sharing information will help Winston if he plays as well.

Final Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 21, Buffalo Bills: 19