- Buffalo (4-3) is a 8.5-point home favorite over the Buccaneers (3-3) on Thursday Night Football
- Stefon Diggs has 55 receptions, 678 receiving yards, and six TDs through seven games
- Week 8’s matchup kicks off from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY at 8:15pm ET
Once among a handful of Super Bowl contenders, the Bills have played some frighteningly bad football in October. After falling to the Jaguars and almost losing to the Giants on Sunday Night Football, Buffalo was upset 29-25 by New England in week 7.
Can Sean McDermott’s club bounce back at home against the Buccaneers on a short week? Before we check the odds on Thursday Night Football, here’s where you can find the best Super Bowl betting tips and the top betting sites for NFL football in 2023.
Bills vs Buccaneers
Buffalo falls to Patriots
While he passed for 265 yards and two touchdowns, Josh Allen turned the ball over twice (a fumble and an interception) in a 29-25 defeat to New England. The Bills have been outscored 30-10 in the first half of their past three games with the Jaguars, Giants and Patriots. They came back from 22-10 to take the lead on Sunday, but Buffalo’s D allowed Mac Jones to drive for a game-winning touchdown.
With cornerback Tre’Davious White and linebacker Matt Milano lost for the season, Sean McDermott is left searching for answers on defense. A matchup with the Buccaneers’ 26th-ranked offense might be just what the doctor ordered.
Josh Allen on his first pass… pic.twitter.com/CRVNSggXo5
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 22, 2023
Tampa Bay on 2-game skid
Tampa Bay has now dropped three of its past four games following a 16-13 loss to the division-rival Falcons. Baker Mayfield threw for 275 yards, TD, INT in week 7, but could only get his team into the endzone once. As always, the Buccaneers struggled to run the ball, generating just 75 yards on 20 carries. Their 77.8 rushing yards per game ranks fourth-worst in the NFL.
While Buffalo has a bottom-ten run defense, permitting 128.3 yards per game, there is absolutely no evidence that sophomore back Rachaad White will be able to exploit it on Thursday night.
Buffalo vs Tampa Bay
Buffalo is 8.5-point home chalk on Thursday with the over/under set at a lowly 42 points. The Bills are averaging the third-most points per week (28.3) in the league, while Todd Bowles’ defense is allowing 17.3 points per game – the sixth-best mark in the NFL. However, a soft schedule has helped. Tampa Bay’s three wins have come against Minnesota, Chicago and New Orleans.
Baker Mayfield was a DNP on Monday’s Buccaneers injury report with a knee injury https://t.co/uVhertkhiO pic.twitter.com/h5ix5UTPX2
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 23, 2023
Allen-Diggs connection
The Buccaneers are allowing the sixth-most passing yards per game (246.7), so this could be a ‘get right’ spot for Allen. Buffalo’s franchise QB is pacing the NFL with 15 touchdown passes and his 1,841 passing yards ranks fifth league-wide.
Stefon Diggs is in the midst of a career-year with 55 receptions (2nd), 678 receiving yards (4th) and six TDs (2nd), but is somewhat being overshadowed by the exploits of Tyreek Hill. Rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid also emerged in week 7, with a team-leading eight receptions for 75 yards.
Best Bet
This is a hefty spread given the Bills’ recent troubles, but the Bucs’ offense is going to struggle to move the ball on Thursday night. Heading to Buffalo on a short week, Todd Bowles’ club doesn’t have a chance.
Look for Josh Allen and company to buck recent trends and jump out to a big first-half lead and never look back. Bills cover -8.5 with the OVER 42.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
