The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) and Buffalo Bills (4-3) square off in this week’s Thursday Night Football matchup in the NFL. ZenSports Tennessee sportsbook has the Bills currently favored at -500 to win.
When: October 26, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET
Where: Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York
Watch: Prime Video
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview
The Buccaneers were unable to find success in their last game, putting them on a two-game skid. Their recent defeat was a 16-13 outing against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons had three turnovers and the Bucs had two, but the Bucs could not turn that in their favor.
In their current losing streak, they have averaged 9.5 points per game and have allowed 18.0. Combining all their losses, they are averaging 10.0 points per contest. By the look of things, they must be stronger offensively to remain competitive.
The Bucs are now second in the NFC South and are roughly a game behind the Falcons. Somehow they have been able to find success, as they average 17.2 points per game and give up 17.3. Having a much larger difference in their favor would be ideal moving forward.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield (8 TD, 4 INT) has been steady this season, but the Bucs need more out of him. He has contributed 1,363 yards and has a QBR of 58.7 that ranks him 15th in the league, which is not going to cut it against good teams. He is also questionable for this game (knee).
Buffalo Bills Preview
The Bills have gone 1-2 in their last three games, so they are searching for some consistency. Their recent performance was a 29-25 defeat against the New England Patriots. They were down 13-3 at the half, but they made this a respectable finish.
Looking at their three losses, they have been on the losing side of close games. They have lost by six points or less, which bodes well for their chances if they can figure out how to minimize mistakes.
They are currently second in the AFC East and have a great opportunity to get back on top. They have been averaging 28.3 points per game and have allowed 16.9 points from opponents. With this margin of safety, they should do well.
QB Josh Allen (15 TD, 7 INT) has added 1,841 yards and has a QBR of 74.8. This ranks him third in the league, which is what the Bills need from him in order to succeed. Even better, he could be up against a slightly weaker Mayfield with an injury or a backup QB.
Betting Odds
ZenSports offers competitive odds for NFL matchups for those in Tennessee. Currently, the Buffalo Bills are heavily favored to win at home, with market analysis indicating a 82.7 percent chance of success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +350
Spread: +8.5 (-110)
Buffalo Bills: -500
Spread: -8.5 (-110)
Total: Over 43 (-110), Under 43 (-110)
