Texans (9-5) at Bucs (7-7)
Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida TV: NFL Network
Danny Sheridan’s line: Texans by 1
Texans’ keys to victory: Houston will need QB Deshaun Watson to take advantage of the Buccaneers’ weak secondary, though that group has been making strides in the second half of the season. Tampa Bay is that team no one wants to play in December, especially a team looking to make a postseason push. Defensively, Houston must try to slow Bucs QB Jameis Winston, who has a tendency to throw early interceptions but can put up yardage and points quickly.
Buccaneers’ keys to victory: Let Jameis be Jameis. For most of the year, the story has been all about Winston and his inability to protect the football. But over the past month, we’ve seen Winston bounce back from early mistakes to help his team win. Defensively, Tampa Bay knows Houston will look to attack the secondary since the Bucs’ rushing defense has been a virtual wall for opposing running backs this year.
Matchup to watch: Texans’ QB Watson vs. Buccaneers’ pass rush. Watson has been one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league this season, while Tampa Bay’s defensive front has been a revelation under first-year defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. LB Shaq Barrett and DE Jason PierrePaul are capable of piling up sacks at will.
Who wins? Tampa Bay has won five of its past six games, and despite missing out on the playoffs again the Bucs still have a chance to finish strong. Taking down a talented Houston team would give Tampa Bay even more confidence heading into the offseason.
Buccaneers, 34-28