The 6-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers land in prime time again in Week 12 as they prepare to take on the 8-2 Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday Night Football. The Rams moved into first place in the loaded NFC West with their showdown win over Seattle in Week 11, their fifth victory in a row. The Bucs remain in first in the NFC South, as well, but have lost three of their last four. A national audience will watch the Bucs and Rams battle it out in a key NFC meeting on Sunday, November 23, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.
The Bucs will be trying to snap a two-game losing streak, as they ran into the top teams in the AFC East and dropped a 28-23 decision to New England and a 44-32 shootout in Buffalo in which the lead changed hands nine times. Sean Tucker continues to emerge as a new threat in the rushing attack, accounting for 140 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns against Buffalo, as the Bucs posted a season-best 202 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, the Bucs have forced eight turnovers in their last three games but the defense has been plagued by big plays, including three touchdowns of 25 or more yards against the Bills. Tykee Smith continues to emerge as one of the NFL's most productive safeties and he had two critical pass breakups in Buffalo, including one that led to a SirVocea Dennis interception.
The Rams are somehow getting a career year out of Matthew Stafford in the 17th season of his Hall of Fame-worthy career. Stafford's 112.8 passer rating would establish a new career high, and his 27-2 touchdown-interception ratio looks like a typo. The talented veteran passer is making the most of one of the league's most dangerous receiving duos in Puka Nacua (third in the NFL in receptions) and Davante Adams (first in touchdown receptions). Sean McVay has explored some new wrinkles in his play-calling in 2025, most notably a much higher use of three-tight end packages than at any other point in his tenure with the Rams. The Los Angeles defense may not get as much attention compared to Stafford and company, but it ranks second in the league in points allowed (17.2 per game) and features an impactful edge rush duo in Byron Young and Jared Verse, who have combined for 13 sacks and 73 quarterback pressures.
Here are four major storylines and four head-to-head player battles to keep an eye on in Week 12as the Bucs try to make their mark in the NFC playoff race against a red-hot opponent.
TOP STORYLINES
Significant Playoff Implications – The NFL's decision to put the Buccaneers and Rams in the Sunday night spotlight in Week 12 is looking like a good one, as it could be considered the most significant game of the weekend in regards to the overall NFC playoff field. It is the only game of the day that pits two NFC teams with winning records against each other, though the 6-5 Panthers and 7-3 49ers will also meet on Monday night. The Rams have risen all the way to the number-two seed in the NFC playoff field and are tied for the conference's best record. If Dallas helps out the rest of the conference with a win over rival Philadelphia on Sunday, the Rams will have an opportunity to move into the driver's seat for the number-one seed and the first-round bye. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are not only trying to get back in that conversation but also hold off the Panthers in what has become a tight NFC South race. The Buccaneers' two recent losses were obviously not helpful to that cause, but it's worth noting that they were against AFC teams and thus aren't as costly in terms of tiebreakers as a loss to the Rams would be. The Buccaneers and Rams currently have similar intra-conference records at 4-2 and 3-2, respectively, and only the Eagles have lost fewer games to NFC opponents. And all of this will play out in front of that national audience, which means it will impact not only the cold, hard standings but also the perception of where these two teams stand as true contenders.
A Key Takeaway – Both the Buccaneers and Rams have been winning the turnover battle handily this season, though it has obviously translated into a couple more wins for Los Angeles than it has for Tampa Bay, which just lost at Buffalo despite a 3-2 edge in turnovers. Los Angeles ranks second in turnover ratio so far this season at plus-10, while the Bucs are third at plus-nine. The Rams 18 takeaways overall are tied for the second most in the league, while the Bucs are tied for fifth with 16. Both teams have also protected the ball well, with the Bucs tied for the fourth fewest turnovers at seven and the Rams in seventh with eight giveaways. Twice in the shootout loss to Buffalo, the Buccaneer took the lead on the scoreboard with a short scoring drive following a turnover. The Rams' defense picked off Seattle's Sam Darnold four times in last Sunday's showdown, which proved to be the difference in the game. Two of those picks set up touchdown "drives" of three and 25 yards, in a game that Los Angeles won by just two points. Given these team's trends this season, turnovers may be tough to come by on Sunday night, but if either team does break through in that category, it will probably determine the game's outcome.
Secondary Challenge – The Buccaneers could be without cornerback Jamel Dean on Sunday night after he suffered a hip injury early in the Bills game, which is bad timing given that he leads all NFL defensive backs in passer rating allowed when targeted. That sort of secondary weapon would be valuable when the Bucs have to face the aforementioned Nacua-Adams duo. If Dean can't play, rookie Benjamin Morrison would likely join Zyon McCollum as the two outside corners, as he did for most of the Buffalo contest. Nacua is a high-volume receiver who has caught 83.9% of his targets this season, the best rate of any wide receiver in the NFL, and he never shies away from contact. Adams is a red zone master, with his 10 touchdowns so far this season pushing his career total to 113, the eighth-most in NFL history. The Buccaneers have gotten some strong contributions from their secondary this season, not only from Dean but also from former All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., second-year safety Tykee Smith and rookie slot corner Jacob Parrish. The flip side of that coin is that the defense has been plagued by big plays in the last two weeks, including four touchdown passes of 25 or more yards. Stafford, Nacua and Adams are certainly capable of generating big plays in bunches, particularly if the Buccaneers' fail to put consistent pressure on the quarterback.
More Ingredients for Baker? – The Buccaneers scored 65 points and averaged 370 net yards in its two recent losses but the offense still hasn't quite found the groove it was in for much of the 2024 season. Most of that can be attributed to injuries, which have variously hit the offensive line, the receiving corps and the running back stable hard. Right tackle Luke Goedeke recently returned to help pump up the team's rushing attack, but the extended absences for wide receiver Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving have continued. However, both Godwin and Irving started practicing last week, albeit in limited fashion, and may ramp up their activity this week. It's not certain that either will return in time to face the Rams but how that unfolds will definitely be the top storylines of the week. If the Bucs could get either Godwin or Irving back into the mix, it would significantly improve Mayfield's chances of putting up big numbers on the scoreboard. Godwin, in particular, would make a difference given that opposing defenses have started to become very focused on limiting rookie Emeka Egbuka's output.
View the top images of Tampa Bay's game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, November 16th, 2025 at Orchard Park.
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Guard Mike Jordan #60, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts a pass during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 and Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a turnover during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2, Tight End Payne Durham #87, Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15, and Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Offensive Tackle Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 and Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Guard Dan Feeney #65 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Linebacker Nick Jackson #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Guard Mike Jordan #60, Guard Luke Haggard #72, Offensive Tackle Benjamin Chukwuma #70, and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Guard Luke Goedeke #67, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 and Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 and Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 and Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 and Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78, Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 and Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67, Guard Dan Feeney #65, Running Back Rachaad White #1, Center Graham Barton #62, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Guard Mike Jordan #60 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 and Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Linebacker John Bullock #57 and Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Linebacker John Bullock #57 and Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Linebacker John Bullock #57, Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98, Tight End Payne Durham #87, Linebacker Nick Jackson #53 and Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Mohamed Kamara #59, Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32, Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Cornerback Kindle Vildor #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 and Guard Mike Jordan #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 and Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Kameron Johnson #19 and Running Back Owen Wright #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ORCHARD PARK, NY - November 16, 2025 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 44-32. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
KEY MATCHUPS
1. Rams WR Davante Adams vs. Buccaneers CB Benjamin Morrison
As noted above, rookie Benjamin Morrison would likely start if Jamel Dean can't play on Sunday night, and even if Dean is active Morrison has been splitting time with him at the right cornerback spot. The Buccaneers used a second-round pick to land the former Notre Dame standout, who likely would have been a first-round selection if not for the hip surgery that ended his final collegiate season early. Morrison is a fluid mover who pays attention to the details in the defensive scheme and can excel in both man and zone coverage. Since the Bucs tend to leave their outside corners on their respective sides of the field, Morrison should see plenty of both Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, though Adams plays a little bit more on the left side of the Rams' formation, which is where he will encounter the Bucs' rookie. Morrison will need to be aware of the potential deep balls, as Adams' average air yards per target this season (12.9 according to NFL Next Gen Stats as of Week 10) is his highest since 2016. Adams has more than 12,000 career receiving yards and an outstanding per game mark of 71.3 yards. Statistically, he is currently playing second fiddle to the younger Nacua, but he's still on pace to top 1,000 yards for the seventh time in his career (two other seasons finished at 997) and he can run every route in the Rams' playbook.
2. Buccaneers T Tristan Wirfs vs. Rams OLB Jared Verse
The Rams traded out of the first round in this year's draft, but the year before they hit a home run with the 19th overall pick when they selected Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse. Verse's 4.5 sacks as a rookie don't jump off the page, but he was so obviously impactful that he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His 73 quarterback pressures were fourth among all NFL players in 2024, and he is currently tied for 11th in that category in 2025 with 40. Verse is a very disruptive defender up front with his explosive get-off at the snap combined with a relentless style of play. On Sunday night, the second-year defender will get his first shot at Tristan Wirfs, one of the toughest problems for any NFL pass-rusher to solve. Wirfs was a first-team Associated Press All-Pro last season, making him the first player in NFL history to win that honor at both right and left tackle. Wirfs is freakishly athletic and a very smooth mover for a man of 6-5 and 320 pounds. In Buffalo, Wirfs also played a critical role in springing Sean Tucker and Rachaad White on big plays as the Bucs ran up 202 yards of offense on the ground.
3. Rams TEs Tyler Higbee* vs. Buccaneers S Tykee Smith
We have an asterisk by Higbee's name because the challenge for Smith and his defensive teammates is not only him but the Rams' tight end crew as a whole. As noted above, Head Coach Sean McVay, one of the NFL's top offensive minds, has surprisingly worked "13" personnel (three tight ends, one running back, one receiver) into his play-calling arsenal this season. The Rams have used that grouping on 18.5% of their plays; they had used it for a total of six plays over the past four seasons combined. The Rams have been combining Higbee with Colby Parkinson and second-round rookie Terrance Ferguson to create a run-heavy look out of which they can successfully throw the ball. Higbee leads the way with 20 catches but those three have combined for 40 catches for 451 yards and three touchdowns. Overall, the Rams are averaging 4.75 yards out of 13 personnel, with a 47% play success rate. Smith is one of the Bucs' best defensive weapons against tight ends roaming around in the secondary. Against Buffalo, he reacted extremely quickly on a fourth-down pass over the middle to Bills tight end Dawson Knox and was able to deflect the ball, which was then intercepted by SirVocea Dennis. Smith leads the Bucs in both tackles (79) and passes defensed (11) and he has more "Havoc Plays" (interceptions, pass breakups, tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles combined) than any other defensive back in the NFL.
4. Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard vs. Rams S Quentin Lake
The Bucs are currently starting two rookies at wide receiver in Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, but veteran Sterling Shepard is the clear third wideout and he has provided a steady and experienced target for Baker Mayfield. Last weekend in Buffalo he led the Bucs with 54receiving yards on four catches, which were very big plays given that Egbuka was held to 40yards and Johnson was nearly completely shut out by the Bills' defense. Shepard has worked roughly an equal number of snaps on the outside and out of the slot, and when he moves inside on Sunday nigh the will encounter Rams safety Quentin Lake, a 2022 sixth-round pick who is filling L.A.'s slot corner role in 2025. At 6-1 and 204 pounds, Lake is a bigger slot corner than most, but he has the fluid change-of-direction skills needed to operate at that position. Lake's 61 tackles on the season are third on the Rams' defense and he also has a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The Bucs will also need to be aware of Lake blitzing out of the slot, as he has been the most likely of the Rams' defense backs to blitz. Prior to last weekend's game, lake had rushed the passer 23 times and created seven quarterback pressures on the season.
