THURSDAY PREVIEW:
Buccaneers (3-3) at Bills (4-3)
Thursday, 5:15 p.m. (Prime Video)
■ Line: Bills -9; total 43
■ Buccaneers player to watch: QB Baker Mayfield has completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 1,363 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. He leads the NFL in third-down passer rating (121.8) and has been sacked only eight times through six games. The 2018 No. 1 draft pick is 2-0 with five TD passes versus one interception and a 105.6 passer rating in two road starts this season.
■ Bills player to watch: QB Josh Allen acknowledged that his decision to rein in his emotions might be a reason behind Buffalo’s slowstarting offense. The Bills have combined to score 10 points in the first half in their past three outings and are facing a defense that’s allowed just 55 points — tied for the fourth fewest in the NFL — in the opening two quarters. Allen has committed turnovers in all but two outings and opened with a first-snap interception against New England.
■ Key matchup: Bucs WRS Mike Evans and Chris Godwin versus Bills secondary. Buffalo’s defensive scheme hinges on the front four applying pressure to aid a secondary missing CB Tre’davious White (Achilles). Tampa Bay, however, has allowed the second-fewest sacks in the NFL this season. Second-year CB Christian Benford and fourth-year backup Dane Jackson will start against an Evans/ Godwin tandem that’s combined for 63 catches, with Evans scoring four times.
■ Key injuries: For the Buccaneers, Mayfield (knee) and Godwin (neck) were limited in practice Tuesday after not participating the previous day. … DT Vita Vea (groin), LG Matt Feiler (knee) and S Kaevon Merriweather (ankle) did not practice Monday or Tuesday. … RB Chase Edmonds (knee) is practicing after being designated to return from injured reserve this week. … The Bills are down to one healthy TE, rookie Dalton Kincaid, with Dawson Knox out after having wrist surgery and Quintin Morris (ankle) ruled out. … DT Ed Oliver has a chance to return after missing one game with a toe injury. … Edge rusher Von Miller was limited to six snaps against New England as he works his way back from a right knee injury.