NFL
Sports Interaction Staff
October 18, 2017

Buccaneers vs. Bills Point Spread: NFL Week 7 Odds, Prediction

The Buffalo Bills come off a much-needed bye week ready to face a team that could be without its starting quarterback as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers invade New Era Field on Sunday. Jameis Winston suffered a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder in last week’s 38-33 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, and is considered day-to-day. His absence would make things much easier for a Bills team that won three of its first five games going into the bye.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills

Point spread: Bills -3
Date: Sunday, October 22, 1 p.m. ET
Location: New Era Field, Buffalo, N.Y.

Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The Bills are a narrow favorite to open the week, though that could change one way or the other depending on Winston’s status. Buffalo has surprised football fans and bettors alike so far, covering the spread in four of its first five games – and narrowly missing a perfect 5-0 start after dropping a 20-16 decision to the Cincinnati Bengals as a three-point underdog in Week 5. Buffalo is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 after recording 250 or fewer yards in its previous game.

As for totals play, these teams diverge wildly heading into their Week 7 matchup. The Bucs have played to the over three times in their first five games, and their two road contests have seen an average of 61 points scored. Meanwhile, the Bills have exceeded the total just once in five games, averaging a modest 17.8 points scored and 14.8 points allowed on the season. That said, Buffalo has gone over in eight of its previous nine home games overall.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While the health status of Winston is obviously Tampa Bay’s primary concern this week, the Bucs will also be taking a hard look at how to bolster a rush attack averaging the third-fewest yards per game in the league. Doug Martin has been serviceable in his return from suspension (4.7 YPC, 2 TDs), but the Bucs will need to find a way to get him more than the 27 carries he has through two games. The Bills are limiting foes to 3.6 YPC this season.

Buffalo Bills

Tampa isn’t the only team looking to improve its fortunes on the ground. The Bills came into the season with sky-high rushing hopes – but the good times have yet to materalize, with LeSean McCoy and Co. averaging a paltry 3.4 YPC; McCoy is the biggest offender, barely averaging 3 YPC on 87 carries. The Buccaneers were gouged by Arizona’s Adrian Peterson last weekend but are still holding opponents to just 3.7 YPC on the season.