Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen warms up prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.
The Buffalo Bills haven’t looked like Super Bowl contenders in a month.
Since whipping Miami 48-20 in Week 4, the Bills (4-3) have lost twice and barely beat the Giants thanks to a pair of stops at the 1-yard line.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) present an opportunity for Buffalo to get back on track.
With Baker Mayfield under center and a dismal run game, the Buccaneers have struggled on offense. Their top-10 defense has kept them in games.
They’ll need that D to step up Thursday night in Buffalo.
Despite slow first-half starts in the past three games, the Bills have a dynamic offense behind Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs.
“We’re very aware that we haven’t played up to our standard and our potential the last couple of weeks and we’re looking to fix that,” Allen said. “So any opportunity that we get to play this game, you know, we’re going to jump at it.”
Allen is 5-0 on Thursday in his career. The Buccaneers are 2-0 on the road this season.
“I always love road games,” Mayfield said. “Just being in an environment where it’s just your team against everybody else, the fans included. You just enjoy the environment, and as competitors, you kind of thrive on that. We’re looking to be really focused, play for each other and go in and somehow find a way to win.”
The Bills are 8 1/2-point favorites, per FanDuel Sportsbook. Pro Picks expects a close one.
BILLS, 24-17
BALTIMORE AT ARIZONA
Line: Ravens minus 8 1/2
Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level and the Ravens (5-2) have a nasty defense. The Cardinals (1-6) play better than their record but are overmatched every week.
BEST BET: RAVENS, 30-17
HOUSTON AT…
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