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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head north to Highmark Stadium for a pivotal Week 11 showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Both teams sit at 6-3 and eager to rebound after tough losses. Tampa Bay’s 28-23 defeat to the New England Patriots last week left fans frustrated. The defense allowed multiple explosive plays and failed to close out drives. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been the team’s heartbeat this season. However, his margin for error remains thin. Against Buffalo, he’ll need to protect the football and stay composed against one of the league’s most opportunistic defenses. For a Buccaneers squad fighting to keep pace in the NFC playoff race, this game feels like a crossroads.
The Bills, meanwhile, are coming off a 30-13 meltdown against the Miami Dolphins that cost them the AFC’s top seed. Josh Allen looked out of sync. He committed two turnovers and failed to sustain drives in key moments. Despite the setback, Buffalo remains a dangerous opponent. They boast one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses and a top-10 rushing attack. Yet, the cracks are showing, particularly on defense. Their 153.2 rushing yards allowed per game is the most in the league. It’s a weakness the Buccaneers could exploit if they can finally get their run game rolling. The outcome may hinge on which version of each team shows up: the disciplined contender or the error-prone pretender.
Both teams enter Week 11 licking their wounds, but one will emerge rejuvenated. Buffalo is 4-1 at home this season and has typically thrived in cold-weather matchups. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is 2-2 on the road. The conditions, intensity, and stakes all point toward a hard-hitting battle. It’s one that could define the rest of the Buccaneers’ season.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Bills and the Buccaneers in week 11 of the 2025 NFL season.
For all his competitive fire, Mayfield still has one Achilles’ heel: his decision-making under pressure. When blitzed or forced off script, he tends to revert to risky throws. Against a Bills defense desperate for redemption, that’s dangerous. Buffalo’s pass rush, led by Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa, can collapse pockets in a hurry. Their secondary also thrives on capitalizing off tipped passes. After recording zero takeaways in Week 10, the Bills’ defense is primed for a rebound game.
Mayfield will turn the ball over twice, both of which result in Buffalo points. Expect the Bills’ defense to play aggressively early. They will bait Mayfield into forcing throws downfield. Tampa Bay’s offensive line has been inconsistent in pass protection, especially on the edges. If the Buccaneers fall behind early, Mayfield will have to throw into tighter windows. That’s a formula that often ends poorly. Sure, Mayfield’s competitive streak keeps the Buccaneers in most games. However, turnovers could once again swing momentum the wrong way in Week 11.
**Buccaneers’...
