After losing badly against the Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills need a marquee victory to prove they are legitimate contenders in the AFC. They could earn one next week against the 6-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who currently lead the NFC South. Buffalo is 2-1 against the NFC South, with wins over the Panthers and Saints, but Tampa Bay will be their most difficult interleague matchup yet.
4 Bills who need to step up to win vs. Buccaneers in Week 11
1. Josh Allen
Allen has played inconsistent football all season. In wins over Baltimore, New York, and Kansas City, he was brilliant. In losses against the Patriots, Falcons, and Dolphins, he's been awful. Buffalo needs a bounce-back performance from Allen to lead them to victory against a good Tampa Bay team. The MVP needs to play like the MVP.
2. James Cook
The Bills are 5-0 when James Cook rushes for over 100 yards in 2025. They are 1-3 when he fails to do so. The recipe for opposing defenses to beat the Bills has been quite simple. Beat James Cook, and you beat Buffalo. That's because Allen's production has largely hinged on Cook's production. For better or worse, Cook is the wheel of this offense, and when he is not able to produce yardage, the Bills struggle.
3. Dawson Knox
It looks like Dalton Kincaid might be out for the forseeable future, meaning Dawson Knox will have to step up and perform at the tight end position. It's easy to forget that just a few years ago, Knox was considered a rising star at tight end. His career obviously has not reached the peaks that fans hoped, but he still has the ability to be a productive pass catcher when called upon. Buffalo will be calling upon him against Tampa Bay, and Knox needs to deliver. It would be a great time for his first 50-yard game of the season.
4. Joey Bosa
The veteran pass rusher has not been perfect this season, but he has turned it on in the games that count, like two weeks ago, when he dominated against Kansas City. This is a big game for the Bills defense, going up against a formidable Tampa Bay offense. The Bills need Bosa to play like his vintage self if they want to put pressure on Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.