The Buffalo Bills (5-3) defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) on Thursday to kick off Week 8 of the NFL season at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
As of Thursday, both teams were in second place in their respective divisions, following Week 7 losses. In a divisional game, New England stunned Buffalo, and Tampa Bay was defeated by Atlanta by the slimmest of margins.
The Bills drove to within a few yards of the end zone after Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin had a field goal attempt from 50 yards out tipped by Shaq Lawson. Thus, at the 1-yard line, Tampa Bay made a game-saving defensive stand.
After the next drive ended in a three-and-out for the Buccaneers, Deonte Harris returned Jake Camarda's punt to the Tampa Bay 23-yard line for a touchdown. Allen then scored on a 13-yard run five plays later.
The Buccaneers advanced into Buffalo Bills territory after Mayfield completed a 31-yard pass to an open Chris Godwin. McLaughlin kicked a field goal from 57 yards out to put the Buccaneers on the scoreboard in the middle of the second quarter.
Below is a replay of the Buccaneers' following possession, in which defensive tackle William Gholston intercepted a ball thrown by Allen after it was deflected by Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. The Buccaneers then made it a ten-point game.
Godwin made a great grab for Tampa Bay's quarterback for a 3-yard score the play after Mayfield got the ball out to running back Rachaad White, who picked up 20 yards on a screen throw.
Buffalo scored on the ninth play of their second possession when quarterback Josh Allen completed a pass to tight end Dalton Kincaid for a 22-yard touchdown.
Allen scored two touchdowns for Buffalo in the first half, one on the ground and one via the air, while Tampa Bay scored a touchdown soon after forcing a turnover. Total yardage was 244 for the Bills and 163 for the Buccaneers.
The Bills came out strong to start the second half, scoring 14 points after Allen threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Gabe Davis, who was all alone in the end zone.
With 2:44 remained in the fourth quarter, Mayfield completed a pass to wide receiver Mike Evans for a 24-yard touchdown. The drive took 17 plays, covered 96 yards, and ate up 7:20.
Position: Tight End The extra point was successful when Cade Otton caught a tipped ball in the end zone. Despite a heroic Hail Mary effort, Tampa Bay still lost by a score of 24-18.