Tip Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buffalo Bills

This week we start with our tip Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buffalo Bills. As you know, it’s all about the TNF match. Those of you who have been following us for a while will see that we have the Bills in the program again. This is not because we are fans of the team, but simply because we believe that Josh Allen and Co. are still one of the best teams in the NFL.

The Bucs got off to a somewhat surprisingly positive start to the season for many experts. There were two wins against the Vikings and Bears. A loss to the Eagles was followed by another win against the Saints, and suddenly the word playoffs could be heard floating around the Bucs.

Two weeks later, however, this already looks quite different. A loss to the Lions was followed by an ugly 13-16 defeat to the NFC South rivals Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. Baker Mayfield looked more like the Mayfield of the last few years the last two days and if the defense can’t hold the fort together it will be tough. Nothing is lost yet in this tight division, but the trend recently pointed in the wrong direction.

While we’re on the subject of trends. The Bills have had better days, too. After a gala performance against the Dolphins a few weeks ago, things went rapidly downhill. There was a loss in London to the Jaguars, then a 14-9 stranglehold against the Giants and last Sunday a 29-25 defeat against the Patriots, who are certainly one of the weakest teams in the league this year.

The offense in particular once again failed to get going at all. It took until the fourth quarter until they suddenly ignited. Minutes before the end, they finally took the lead and you thought they had somehow managed to pull it off, but then the defense allowed a last-minute touchdown.

Granted, the defense is missing key players, but it’s probably fair to expect Allen to not always sleep through the first half and cause his team unnecessary hardship.

The tip for the matchup Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buffalo Bills can only go in one direction. Both teams are not really in form at the moment but the quality and the home field advantage speaks for the Bills. In order not to lose sight of the playoffs, the Bills simply need a win here and when it really comes down to it, Allen usually has it. The victory therefore remains in Orchard Park.