game previews

DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17

December 27, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 The highlight of the final Thursday game of the 2023 fantasy season is that the game gets to kick off championship week. While last week’s Saints vs. Rams tilt hit the over, FullTime Fantasy‘s […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17

The highlight of the final Thursday game of the 2023 fantasy season is that the game gets to kick off championship week. While last week’s Saints vs. Rams tilt hit the over, FullTime Fantasy‘s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 17 features the Browns hosting the NFL’s most futile offense in the lowly New York Jets.

16th-year pro Joe Flacco has been a revelation for the Browns. Cleveland has started four different signal-callers this season. However, the Browns are in contention for the AFC’s top seed with a nifty 10-5 record.

Meanwhile, the Jets have also had to play the quarterback carousel. But Robert Saleh has not enjoyed anywhere near as much success. At least not on offense. Saleh’s defense ranks third in the NFL.

Saleh does keep his club ready to compete and they will undoubtedly be ready to play spoiler.

New York opened as 6.5-point underdogs and the total was a ghastly 35 points.

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
New York Jets 32 31 28 30 30
Cleveland Browns 13 20 11 28 10

New York’s season effectively ended after four snaps. After losing Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have struggled to mount any kind of credible offense. Zach Wilson fared about as well as expected before losing – and regaining- the starting job. Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian have also contributed to the futility.

Siemian will make his second start this week and faces a tough task. Cleveland boasts the NFL’s No. 1 defense. The Browns lead the league in passing defense, interception rate, third-down efficiency, and fewest yards per play.

Meanwhile, Flacco has resurrected a stagnant offense. Cleveland has averaged 29 points per game in Flacco’s three starts. However, the Jets have the No. 2 pass defense and won’t allow the big plays that the Browns produced in Houston.

Points will be at a premium in this one. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean this game is a fantasy football fade.

New York Offense

How will Thursday’s Jets vs. Browns game go?

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DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16

December 20, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16 Following last week’s blowout between two sub-.500 teams, Week 16 offers a pairing of NFC playoff contenders. The Rams and Saints enter this game at 7-7 and in the thick of the playoff picture. […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16

Following last week’s blowout between two sub-.500 teams, Week 16 offers a pairing of NFC playoff contenders. The Rams and Saints enter this game at 7-7 and in the thick of the playoff picture. FullTime Fantasy’s Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 16 breaks down what is a must-win game for both teams.

The visiting Saints have won two straight and are tied for the NFC South lead. At +42, New Orleans has the fourth-best points differential in the conference. However, they must contend with traveling on a short week to face an LA squad that has won three consecutive games at home.

Additionally, Los Angeles has averaged 33 points per game in their last four. This Rams offense is now healthy and will pose problems for a New Orleans defense that has struggled when facing teams that are capable of moving the ball up and down the field.

The game opened with the Rams being favored by 4.5 points with a total of 44.5.

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
New Orleans Saints 14 14 19 18 12
Los Angeles Rams 8 11 11 7 9

 

On paper, these two teams are more evenly matched than it seems. However, the Saints have an edge defensively. At least they did until recently. The Saints pass rush has slowed and the team has dipped to 24th in run defense.

Meanwhile, the Rams have had issues defending the run. However, the return of Kryen Williams has had a significant impact on the team’s offensive resurgence. Also, in the last five games, Matthew Stafford is the overall fantasy QB5.

For this game, the Saints are looking at their own significant addition with ace No. 1 wideout Chris Olave returning after a 1-game absence.

This is the first away game for New Orleans since dropping a 24-15 game to the Falcons in Week 12. Meanwhile, the Rams have been thriving at home and have not lost to the Saints as hosts since 2009.

How will Thursday’s Saints vs. Rams game go?

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DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 15

December 13, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 15 Easton Stick vs. Aidan O’Connell. This is, uh…., not what we signed up for. After 14 up-and-down Thursday contests, this week’s offering is the NFL version of going through the motions. It is what […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 15

Easton Stick vs. Aidan O’Connell. This is, uh…., not what we signed up for. After 14 up-and-down Thursday contests, this week’s offering is the NFL version of going through the motions. It is what it is. Regardless, the FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 15 breaks down this week’s contest from a fantasy and sports betting perspective.

After losing Justin Herbert for the rest of the season, the Chargers are now riding out the clock. A new regime now seems inevitable for Los Angeles. Additionally, Easton Stick will make his first NFL start on streaming TV against an equally moribund Raiders franchise.

As for Vegas, they hit rock bottom last week, losing their third consecutive game by a paltry 3-0 score. Both teams sit at 5-8 in the mediocre AFC West.

However, on the bright side, there’s no way these two teams will score fewer points than last week. Right?

The Chargers opened as 3-point favorites. However, when news of Herbert’s season-ending injury hit, the line shifted oppositely. Las Vegas now stands as a field-goal favorite. Conversely, the total plummeted 8.5 points from its opening of 42.

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
Los Angeles Chargers 17 10 26 14 16
Las Vegas Raiders 29 22 32 26 28

Both of these teams have faced more than their fair share of adversity.

Brandon Staley faces a lot of scrutiny as the Chargers have been one of the most under-achieving teams in the AFC. The addition of offensive coordinator Keelen Moore from Dallas has not panned out as expected. The Chargers have been an average offense that will surely plummet without Herbert under center.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have a brief resurgence under interim head coach Antonio Pierce. However, after three consecutive defeats with three total touchdowns scored, that success is a distant memory.

Las Vegas has rushed for an NFL-worst 1,048 yards. A struggling offensive line plays a big part in the struggles. But making matters worse, the Raiders will be without star RB Josh Jacobs, who will miss this game with a quad injury.

Las Vegas Offense

Further hampering the offense is QB Aidan O’Connell. The fourth-round rookie has thrown just four touchdowns in seven games…

How will Thursday’s Chargers vs. Raiders game go?

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DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 14

December 6, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 14 Remember when Thursday was ‘Must See TV’? That no longer applies. After being blessed with a terrific game last week that featured no punts, football fans will be hard-pressed to be excited about the […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 14

Remember when Thursday was ‘Must See TV’? That no longer applies. After being blessed with a terrific game last week that featured no punts, football fans will be hard-pressed to be excited about the Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 14.

After watching a game with no punts, Week 14 features two of the five lowest-scoring teams in football. New England is coming off a 6-0 shutout. The Patriots have scored one touchdown total in their last three games. Additionally, being shutout by the Chargers’ 28th-ranked defense does not bode well for a trip to Pittsburgh to face a Steelers defense that has surrendered the sixth-fewest points.

Meanwhile, only four other teams have mustered fewer points on offense than Pittsburgh. Additionally, the Steelers are now trotting out their No. 2 quarterback on short rest.

The Steelers opened as slight favorites and a futile total of 35 points plummeted down to a meager 30.

Hardly a must-see event- this AFC duel is strictly for diehards and fantasy fanatics.

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
New England Patriots 28 23 21 28 32
Pittsburgh Steelers 26 28 14 25 28

 

These two teams put the offense in ‘offensive’.

New England has struggled in all facets of assembling a credible offense. They have scored the fewest points in football. Also, New England has a pathetic 10-to-14 TD-to-INT ratio. Finally, they rank 31st in average starting position, percentage of drives resulting in points, and dead-last in field goal percentage.

Things have been marginally better in Pittsburgh, especially since dismissing Matt Canada. The Steelers are a respectable 14th with 1,384 rushing yards and lead the NFL with only 10 turnovers. Mike Tomlin has done another fantastic job guiding a very marginal offensive unit to a 7-5 record.

Finally, acclimate yourself with Pressley Harvin III and Bryce Baringer, the team’s punters.

New England Offense 

Despite getting shutout last week, Bill Belichick will…

How will Thursday’s Patriots vs. Steelers game go?

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dak prescott ceedee lamb
DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 13

November 29, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 13 Last Thursday was full of food, family, and football. This week, we get back to normal with just one game. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 12 breaks down the fantasy and […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 13

Last Thursday was full of food, family, and football. This week, we get back to normal with just one game. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 12 breaks down the fantasy and sports betting prospects for Seattle’s trip to Dallas.

The ‘traveling on short rest’ narrative doesn’t apply here since both the Seahawks and Cowboys hosted Thanksgiving games one week ago. Afforded their full week of rest, both squads were able to fully prepare for this pivotal matchup up NFC playoff contenders.

However, the Seahawks do have to contend with key injuries on offense, which gives them a huge disadvantage in taking on Dallas’ No. 2 ranked defense. Additionally, the Cowboys have been dominant at home. Dallas has won their last 13 games in Arlington and has been blowing teams away this season.

Dallas opened as 5.5-point favorites but that line quickly shot up to -9. Additionally, the total rose a point and a half to 47.

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
Seattle Seahawks 22 17 26 13 18
Dallas Cowboys 7 4 13 5 1

Geno Smith has regressed from the stellar numbers he posted out of nowhere last season. That’s caused the Seahawks to struggle to maintain drives and outscore opponents. Also, Seattle’s offensive line has been one of the poorest units in the league, leading to struggles rushing the ball and converting third downs (29th).

The Seahawks have also dropped three of their last four games and will once again be without star RB Kenneth Walker. That doesn’t bode well for their chances of pulling out a much-needed win against an opponent that has averaged 40 points per game at home this season.

Meanwhile, Dallas leads the NFL in scoring and has allowed the fourth-fewest points. The Cowboys rank second against the pass and look like a poor matchup for a Seattle squad starting a rookie backup running back. A fearsome pass rush combined with a play-making secondary will also cause major problems for Smith and the passing attack.

So, do the Seahawks stand a chance or are we in for another Thursday Night snoozefest?

Seattle Offense 

QB Geno Smith has struggled in three of his last four games- all of which Seattle has lost. Additionally, Smith has been dealing with an elbow injury. Facing a defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position doesn’t feel like a get-right spot…

How will Thursday’s Seahawks vs. Cowboys game go?

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dak prescott ceedee lamb
DFS - NFL

Thursday Football Preview: Week 12

November 22, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Football Preview: Week 12 Happy Thanksgiving! Week 12 is always a special holiday slate. And 2023 is no different. We’ve got a full day’s worth of NFL and fantasy football action with three games. Additionally, the first Black Friday […]

Thursday Football Preview: Week 12

Happy Thanksgiving! Week 12 is always a special holiday slate. And 2023 is no different. We’ve got a full day’s worth of NFL and fantasy football action with three games. Additionally, the first Black Friday game is one day away. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Football Preview: Week 12 previews all three Thanksgiving games from a fantasy, DFS, and sports betting perspective.

Green Bay at Detroit

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
Green Bay Packers 22 19 21 13 20
Detroit Lions 4 4 5 4 6

Open: DET -7.5, 44.5

Current: DET -8, 47

As always, the Detroit Lions kick off the holiday festivities. However, these aren’t the hapless Lions of years past. Dan Campbell’s squad has the second-best record in football and boasts a balanced, top-5 offense.

QB Jared Goff plays his best football at home and will be amped to rebound off of a subpar Week 11 showing. Meanwhile, Detroit has a pair of elite fantasy running backs primed to feast off of Green Bay’s 28th-ranked run defense.

The matchup isn’t as great for the pass catchers. However, Goff does have 10 TD strikes in six career games against the Packers. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has scored a touchdown or exceeded 100 receiving yards in all nine games this season. However, Green Bay allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wideouts, so it may take double-digit targets for that streak to continue.

For the Packers, Jordan Love is coming off of his two best games. Facing a Lions’ secondary that has yielded the ninth-most fantasy points to the position puts Love in a favorable spot to deliver another week of high-end QB2 numbers.

However, things look lousy for the ground game. Aaron Jones won’t play, leaving the backfield to A.J. Dillon. Dillon has dominated the backfield snaps and touches when Jones has been sidelined. But he’s been ineffective in that role, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and just one total reception in the three games Jones has missed.

Detroit is also allowing the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson topped double-digit fantasy points against this secondary back in Week 4. Also, Jayden Reed has developed into a solid WR3/4 option who went 3/55/0 in that game.

TE Luke Musgrave is injured and will be replaced by a committee led by Tucker Kraft. The rookie is a cheap DFS option, only.

Green Bay is 2-5 straight up and against the number since opening the season 2-1. They’ve struggled on the road, losing four straight after winning in Chicago to open the 2023 campaign. And it’s been particularly tough against Detroit, who has covered the spread in 11 of the last 13 matchups with Green Bay.

Detroit has won four of their last five against Green Bay. Also, the Lions have covered in five straight Ford Field matchups hosting the Packers. Detroit beat Green Bay by 14 back in Week 4, but I’m not sure it will be that easy in the rematch. The UNDER has hit in five of Green Bay’s last…

How will Thursday’s games go?

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Joe Burow
DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 11

November 15, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 11 We need redemption after last week’s clunker. Fortunately, this week’s Thursday tilt featured two contenders from the tough AFC North. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 11 breaks down the fantasy and […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 11

We need redemption after last week’s clunker. Fortunately, this week’s Thursday tilt featured two contenders from the tough AFC North. The FullTime Fantasy Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 11 breaks down the fantasy and sports betting prospects for the Bengals versus Ravens slugfest.

The road through the AFC playoffs currently goes through Baltimore. John Harbaugh’s Ravens boast an AFC-best 7-3 mark and will be amped to right the ship after a last-second loss to Cleveland in Week 10. Baltimore’s +113 point differential is the best in the league and the club is preparing for this game as if it were a postseason contest.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are also coming off of an emotional home loss to a Texans team that Baltimore easily handled in Week 1. The Bengals got off to a rough start thanks to Joe Burrow’s calf injury. But Zac Taylor’s had won four straight before Week 10. One of Cincinnati’s losses came to Baltimore, so the Bengals will be extra motivated to even the score.

Baltimore opened as a slight favorite. However, the line has shifted to the Bengals currently listed as 3.5-point underdogs. And the opening total of the game was 43.5.

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
Cincinnati Bengals 27 16 32 23 20
Baltimore Ravens 4 20 1 5 5

It is quite unusual to see the Bengals sporting a bottom-tier offense. But most of those struggles can be attributed to Joe Burrow’s preseason calf strain. The Bengals scored one of zero touchdowns in three of their first four games- the main culprit in that 1-3 start.

However, things have drastically turned around since that 34-20 drubbing of the Cardinals. Burrow has been the fantasy QB4 over the last four games. Also, the running game has struggled all season. Cincinnati is running for an NFL-worst 74.8 yards per game. Facing the NFL’s top run defense, don’t expect those numbers to improve on Thursday.

While the Ravens rank fourth in the NFL in offense, their performance has fallen flat. Todd Monken’s high-octane passing attack hasn’t come to fruition. Instead, Baltimore is back to being an old-school Ravens’ offense that leads the league in rushing.

Also, Baltimore’s defense ranks fourth overall while leading the league in fewest points allowed. The Ravens have won four of their last five when hosting the Bengals. Another victory would seriously hamper Cincinnati’s postseason hopes.

Finally, weather shouldn’t be a factor. Gametime temperatures are projected to be 52 degrees with less than a 10% chance of showers.

Cincinnati Offense 

Cincinnati’s passing game has improved at the same rate as Joe Burrow‘s recovery…

How will Thursday’s Bengals vs. Ravens game go?

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bryce young
DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 10

November 8, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 10 Predictably, Week 9’s Steelers/Titans game lacked fantasy firepower. And that appears to be applicable again in Week 10 as the offensively-challenged Panthers travel to Chicago to take on the last-place Bears. Our Thursday Night […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 10

Predictably, Week 9’s Steelers/Titans game lacked fantasy firepower. And that appears to be applicable again in Week 10 as the offensively-challenged Panthers travel to Chicago to take on the last-place Bears. Our Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 10 breaks down the fantasy prospects in a game that seemingly lacks talking points.

The Panthers mustered only 275 yards of offense and 13 points in a home loss to the Colts. Now, the 1-win Panthers must travel on short rest. Carolina is 0-4 on the road and has yet to win a game against an NFC rival.

Meanwhile, the Bears have quarterback concerns. Tyson Bagent has been adequate, but Chicago’s offense lacks scoring upside without Justin Fields. Last week, the Bears out-gained New Orleans but dropped to 1-2 without Fields under center.

This game opened with the home team favored by just 1.5 points with a total of 41. However, early action on the Bears pushed the line to -3 and the total dipped to 39.

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
Carolina Panthers 30 27 24 31 26
Chicago Bears 14 24 4 15 19

Scoring has been an issue all season for the Panthers, and Carolina’s offensive line has been a big culprit. The Panthers rank 31st in passing yards per attempt and have allowed the fifth-most sacks. LT Ikem Ekwonu has struggled, leading to a lack of time and no ability for plays to develop downfield.

Carolina has only topped 250 passing yards once all season and their defense has allowed the second-most points and forced just seven turnovers. Subsequently, it is difficult to rely on the Panthers for points or fantasy production. Even when facing a Chicago defense that ranks 26th.

For the Bears, they will focus on keeping the ball on the ground. Chicago’s rushing attack ranks fourth and matches up well with a Carolina D that has surrendered the fifth-most rushing yards and allowed a league-worst 14 rushing touchdowns so far in 2023.

However, the biggest question for the Bears will be the health of quarterback Justin Fields. Tyson Bagent has filled in well for three games. But, Fields brings potential as a passer and runner that has been lacking.

Finally, weather should not be a factor. The forecast calls for 48-degree temperatures, with no precipitation or abnormal wind.

Carolina Offense 

Bryce Young is being overshadowed by…

How will Thursday’s Panthers vs. Bears game go?

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DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 9

November 1, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 9 Last week’s game was better than advertised, as the Bucs hung with the Bills. However, the Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 9 offers up a pair of underperforming offenses that will be hard-pressed to […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 9

Last week’s game was better than advertised, as the Bucs hung with the Bills. However, the Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 9 offers up a pair of underperforming offenses that will be hard-pressed to be as entertaining.

Of course, that doesn’t mean this game has no headlines. Will Levis gets his first road start after an historic NFL debut. But, the Titans face a tough task traveling on short rest to take on the Steelers.

As for the Steelers, they face their own quarterback questions with Kenny Pickett’s health.

Both offenses have struggled in 2023, so we have an unusually low total of 36.5 points.

The Steelers are favored by just 2.5 points. That line tells us that Vegas thinks the Titans are the better team on a neutral field. But, are they?

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
Tennessee Titans 27 30 13 14 23
Pittsburgh Steelers 32 25 28 27 29

It has been a struggle for the Titans and Steelers to score points all season. Pittsburgh enters Week 9 with the league’s worst offense. The Steelers also rank last in the league with a 26.3% first-down rate and enter this game with only six touchdown passes in eight games.

Meanwhile, the Titans have the fewest pass attempts in football. Only the Jets and Browns have fewer passing yards than Tennessee’s 1,442. Tennessee is an old-school offense that churns out rushing yards, controls the clock, and is a top-5 unit in converting fourth downs.

Also, Tennessee has the edge defensively. The Titans boast the NFL’s 13th-ranked stop unit. They rank 13th against the run and in points allowed. Plus, the Titans are top-10 in sack rate.

Pittsburgh’s defense had dropped off. The Steelers have the fifth-worst run defense through eight weeks. That’s a mismatch against a Titans offense that wants to run the ball 30-plus times.

This game opened with the Steelers favored by 3.5 and a total of 37.5. However, both of those numbers have dipped by one point.

Tennessee Titans Offense 

Will Levis made headlines in his first NFL start, throwing for 238 yards and 4 touchdowns. Levis made some excellent throws. However, he also was lucky and the Falcons

How will Thursday’s Titans vs. Steelers game go?

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DFS - NFL

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8

October 25, 2023 Jody Smith

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8 We are now halfway through the 2023 season and the stakes are getting higher. The Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8 features a pair of contending teams coming off of disappointing losses. Subsequently, a […]

Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8

We are now halfway through the 2023 season and the stakes are getting higher. The Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 8 features a pair of contending teams coming off of disappointing losses. Subsequently, a win would go a long way toward improving the postseason hopes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills.

Speaking of the Bills, sitting at a mediocre 4-3 is new territory for Sean McDermott’s squad. Despite being an AFC-best +80 in points differential, Buffalo’s defense has fallen off. Also, the Bills sit at 0-2 on the road against their AFC East rivals. Returning home to Highmark Stadium in primetime could be just what the doctor ordered.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have exceeded most expectations, even after a second consecutive home loss. The biggest problem for Todd Bowles’s team appears to be offense. After scoring 20-plus in three games to open the season 3-1, Tampa has one touchdown in their last two outings.

That’s not going to cut it against a Buffalo team that ranks third in the NFL in scoring.

Therefore, the Bills are favored by 8.5 points, and the total slipped by one point to 42.5.

Matchup 

TEAM OFFENSE PASS RUSH YDS/PLAY POINTS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26 15 29 22 26
Buffalo Bills 5 6 14 4 3

Both teams are far better at passing than running. However, the Bills have a distinct advantage in scoring, big plays, and efficiency. It’s on the other side of the ball where these two are much more evenly matched.

Tampa Bay ranks 11th in defense and sixth in points allowed. Meanwhile, the Bills have slipped to 22nd in defense but rank fifth in points surrendered. That explains the modest total for this game.

For the Buccaneers to pull the upset, they’ll have to step up offensively. Tampa has mustered a -13.83 expected points differential during their current two-game slide. That’s not the way to challenge a powerful Buffalo team that has won 15 of their last 18 home games.

The Bills have lost two of their last three games. Turnovers have played a big part in that, with Buffalo having two giveaways in each of their last three contests. Cleaning the mistakes and special teams’ gaffs is paramount for McDermott and company to keep the Bills in AFC East contention.

However, it’s hard to see Tampa winning this game without forcing those errors.

Tampa Bay Offense 

The Bucs got off to a 3-1 start thanks to Baker Mayfield completing 70% of his passes and…

How will Thursday’s Buccaneers vs. Bills game go?

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