Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills Week 11 Preview: Playoff Stakes & Bold Predictions

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills prepare for their pivotal Week 11 showdown, both teams face mounting playoff pressure.

Sunday’s contest at Highmark Stadium is more than just another regular-season game—it’s a crossroads for teams whose seasons are rapidly intensifying.

The Bucs are 6-point underdogs according to the latest NFL odds.

AFC East & NFC South Crossroads: What’s at Stake?

The Bills’ 30-13 setback against the Dolphins in Week 10 leaves them on unfamiliar ground: trailing in the AFC East behind the surging New England Patriots. At 6-3, Buffalo’s margin for error is shrinking, with the Patriots’ 9-2 mark applying serious heat atop the division.

For Tampa Bay, a strong 6-3 record keeps them narrowly ahead in the NFC South. However, with the Carolina Panthers lurking at 5-5 and a recent dip in form (two losses in their last three games), a defeat in Buffalo could spark a fight for their playoff lives. Both teams know the stakes—a win keeps them in the thick of their division races, while a loss could open the door for their rivals.

Quarterback Battle: Can Josh Allen Bounce Back?

Josh Allen Poised for a Rebound Performance

Bills quarterback Josh Allen will command the spotlight on Sunday. Allen struggled last week, throwing two costly interceptions in the loss to Miami. But this matchup offers a perfect get-right opportunity against a Buccaneers defense that excels against the run but has struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks through the air.

With dynamic tight end Dalton Kincaid sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Dawson Knox will need to step up as a reliable option. Expect Buffalo’s offensive coordinator Joe Brady to lean more heavily on the passing game, aiming to exploit Tampa Bay’s vulnerable secondary. Look for Allen to surpass 250 passing yards and score three or more total touchdowns to lead a resurgent effort at home.

Tampa Bay’s Rushing Attack: Sean Tucker Steps In

Next Man Up: Tucker Leads Buccaneers Backfield

The Buccaneers’ ground game faces a significant shakeup, as starter Bucky Irving remains sidelined by a shoulder injury. Instead, it’s undrafted second-year back Sean Tucker who draws the start. Tucker has flashed impressive efficiency since Irving’s initial absence, averaging over 6 yards per carry across his first extended opportunities.

Against a Buffalo rush defense that’s been among the league’s weakest, Tucker is poised for a breakout. Expect Tampa Bay to keep the game competitive by feeding Tucker, who should rush for at least 80 yards and find the end zone in this high-stakes matchup.

Injury Updates: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Both teams enter Sunday dealing with significant injuries. For Buffalo, not only is Kincaid sidelined, but defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis is also out. Several Bills defenders, including cornerbacks Taron Johnson and Cam Lewis, are questionable but trended positively late in the week. Wideout Khalil Shakir, Buffalo’s yardage leader, practiced fully Friday and is likely to suit up.

Tampa Bay’s backfield lacks clarity with Irving sidelined and the offense needing secondary playmakers to step up against an aggressive Bills defense.

Prediction: A Tight, Playoff-Intensity Battle

Head coach Sean McDermott seeks his 100th career win—and he’s in a good position to secure it at home against a gritty Buccaneers squad. While the Bucs enter as underdogs, expect a tightly contested game, with Buffalo narrowly edging out Tampa Bay thanks to Allen’s ability to bounce back when it matters most.

Final Prediction:
Buffalo Bills 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24

A Bills victory breathes life back into their AFC East title hopes, while the Buccaneers brace for a tighter divisional race heading into the crucial home stretch of the season.