When you think back to the 2018 NFL Draft, it’s clear as day that the first overall pick should have been Josh Allen. At the time though, quarterback Baker Mayfield was the better proven prospect while Allen was coming in as a player that needed heavy development. Mayfield was drafted to the Cleveland Browns first overall, and Allen fell to the Buffalo Bills at No. 7.
Since that draft, Allen has solidified himself as the best quarterback in the league and Mayfield finally found success as a member of the Buccaneers.
Allen has won an MVP and has led the Bills to five consecutive division titles and two conference championship appearances. On the other hand, Mayfield had a rough start to his career with the Browns, and was eventually replaced by Deshaun Watson which led him to being traded to Carolina.
Mayfield didn’t last a full season in Carolina and was released before joining the Rams for a few weeks in the 2022 season. He then signed a one-year prove it deal with the Bucs, taking over for Tom Brady and he did not disappoint whatsoever. Since then, he has become the franchise down in Tampa and became a Pro Bowl player the last two seasons.
Buffalo and Tampa Bay are Super Bowl contenders and they see each other this season in Orchard Park. The Buccaneers will come to town in Week 11 in the middle of November as the weather starts to get cold. However, this team will still bring it no matter the elements.
Bills and Bucs predicted to have an offensive battle in Week 11
Joshua Watt from NFL Spin Zone is projecting that the Bills and Buccaneers “could score the most combined points in 2025” as one of the ten games listed. Here’s what Watt said about this matchup:
"Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen are two of the league’s best gunslingers, and in a matchup with two solid run defenses, expect the offenses to prioritize the pass. If both quarterbacks can avoid turnovers, expect both offenses to make some big explosive plays downfield. "Joshua Watt, NFL Spin Zone
Buffalo and Tampa Bay last saw each other in 2023 in Orchard Park where the Bills escaped with a 24-18 win. The Bills survived a late hail mary that gave them the win against a tough Tampa team.
Allen threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns while Mayfield thre for 237 yards and two touchdowns as well. Buffalo was a better running team and they made just a few more defensive plays that helped them seal the deal.
Assuming that both teams come into this game as healthy as possible with both Allen and Mayfield under center, the scoreboard could be lighting up every drive in a back-and-forth battle.