It's that magical time of the week. Time to take all of our analysis and chatter and put our predictions out there.
Though the post is under my name, this post is shared by the both of us BucWild and Niko521Bucs. Brian from BuffaloRumblings has given us his prediction for the game, so we did the same.
Buc 'Em: As hard as this is for me (Niko) to say, if the Bucs don't win this week, they won't win for a long time and the season WILL spiral into a 3 win season, no matter how good the offense is.
My prediction is 24 to 23, who ever wins, it will be that score.
I hope we are capable of scoring extra points with our three touchdowns!
Here is Brian's predictions from Buffalo Rumblings...
As much as I'd like to see Buffalo prove all of its skeptics incorrect and really lay it to the Bucs after going toe-to-toe with New England - a supposed Super Bowl favorite - I just can't bring myself to actually predict it will happen. The Bucs are a tough matchup for the Bills because of their running game and their far-too-unheralded offensive line. I just don't think, ultimately, that the Bucs have enough defense to contain all of the Bills' offensive weapons - and yeah, it's been a long, long time since I've written anything like that. This game will be close for three quarters, and the Bills will pull away at the end. Bills 27, Buccaneers 17
Not a bad prediction, but I'll (Buc Wild) echo Niko's sentiments. This game, with the Giants, @ Wash, @ Philly, Car and NE (in London) on the docket after this, seems to be the most winnable game. Now, any team can win on any day, but if I were a betting man, this would be the most likely victory out of our first 7 games.
We've looked at how Byron has done, we've see how the Bills move the ball, who they rely on. We've discussed the Bill's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the Bucs. I think Buffalo will be a bit weaker than we could have predicted. Their already missing their starting middle linebacker, and may be missing their top corner (McGee) along with Lynch and Kelsay this weekend. If that happens, it lessens the hit of Bryant being out (if he ends up not playing).
Stopping the run with 6-7 in the box is key. Keep Jackson from getting going and shut down the screens they like to run. Safety help over the top or deep LB drops will be a big factor. Of course, pressure by the front 4 can and will change the game.
I'm throwing my own Hail Mary here. I'm having faith that Bates and Morris fixed the problems on defense. I see a different scheme that generates pressure. Our offense will find one or two guys to pound the ball on the ground and with Posluzny out, maybe K2 shows up. I'm not too worried about T.O. or Jackson, its Evans and his speed that scare me. The Bucs O won't be as good, Leftwich will turn it over for the first time, but the Bucs will pound out a close game. They (the Bucs) have to keep it close and weather the no-huddle storm. This is probably the last game I pick the Bucs to win for awhile, so slap me down for a 24-20 win.