The Buffalo Bills host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in what stands to be a solid football game this Sunday. The Bills’ strong defense will try to slow down Tampa Bay’s offense, and if the first five games of Buffalo’s season are any indication, they should be able to do so. Buffalo has not allowed more than 20 points in a game thus far, and with quarterback Jameis Winston currently listed as day-to-day with a shoulder issue, it could be a date against a Bucs squad at less than one hundred percent. There are a few decent matchups to consider this week, however.
RB Doug Martin
Buffalo has been outstanding against opposing running backs all season, but the “muscle hamster” came back hot from a four-week suspension to begin the season, rushing for at least 53 yards and a touchdown in each of his games this season. The Bills allowed Joe Mixon of the Cincinnati Bengals to score his first career NFL touchdown in their last game, and Martin may be able to capitalize on Sunday.
WR Mike Evans
This has been a theme this season with these previews, as Evans fits the bill with regard to the physical profile that Buffalo tends to struggle to defend. He’s a big man at 6’5” and 231 pounds, and he has a knack for high-pointing the football at any given time. Rolling extra coverage his way will be a must, even with Buffalo’s success overall against opposing passing games. Demaryius Thomas of the Denver Broncos had 6 catches and 98 yards against the Bills in September, and A.J. Green went off when the Bills lost to the Bengals, catching 7 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. He’ll be a tough mark for Tre’Davious White and company.
TE Cameron Brate
See above. The big target (6’5”, 236 lbs.) will match up against linebackers over the middle, and that is a matchup that he will win most often. If the Bills use their safeties to take Brate away, that’s less help that they can provide for Evans and fellow wide receiver DeSean Jackson. The Bucs have a dynamic passing offense full of big, athletic weapons, and Brate is a huge part of what makes them difficult to defend.