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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers once seemed capable of running away with the NFC South title. But after dropping Sunday’s shootout to the Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay has suddenly lost three of its last four games.
The Bucs’ latest loss was due to Tampa Bay’s inability to slow down reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen, who accounted for six touchdowns.
Allen finished the 44-32 victory with 317 passing yards, three touchdown passes and three more scores on the ground.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) tackles the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of the game at Highmark Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images)
Tampa Bay fell to 6-4 and is just one game ahead of the Carolina Panthers in the divisional loss column. The Panthers knocked off the Atlanta Falcons earlier in the day to improve to 6-5.
Meanwhile, the Bills secured their seventh win of the season and are two games behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East race.
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Sunday’s back-and-forth game included nine lead changes. Baker Mayfield, who was drafted in the first round the same year as Allen, finished the day with a passing touchdown and a rushing score.
Baker Mayfield (6) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Allen’s strong performance came on the heels of the Bills’ decision to bench wide receiver Keon Coleman, who had struggled recently. Buffalo’s passing game looked explosive Sunday, with every touchdown pass Allen threw going for at least 25 yards.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) takes the field prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images)
Allen’s 5-yard touchdown run put Buffalo ahead with just over nine minutes left in the game.
Tampa Bay had possession with less than two minutes left on the clock, but Mayfield was sacked and fumbled, effectively ending the game.
The Bills bounced back from a sour loss to the Miami Dolphins last week. Allen and the Buffalo offense only managed 13 points in that game. The Bills have a quick turnaround and travel to Houston for a showdown on Thursday night.
The Bucs travel across the country in Week 12 for a tough road test against the Los Angeles Rams.
