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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers once looked like they could win the NFC South title. But after losing in a shootout to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Tampa Bay has suddenly lost three of its last four games.
The Bucs’ latest loss resulted from Tampa Bay’s inability to slow down reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen, who scored six touchdowns.
Allen finished the 44-32 victory with 317 passing yards, three touchdown passes and three more rushing scores.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) fights against 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 division loss column. The Panthers knocked off the Atlanta Falcons earlier in the day to improve to 6-5.
Meanwhile, the Bills picked up their seventh win of the season and sit two games behind the New England Patriots in the AFC East race.
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Sunday’s back-and-forth matchup featured 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 follows 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 for at least 25 yards.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) takes the field before 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 gave Buffalo the lead with just over nine minutes left.
Tampa Bay had possession with less than two minutes remaining, but Mayfield was sacked and fumbled, ending the game.
The Bills bounced back from a surprise loss to the Miami Dolphins last week. Allen and the Buffalo offense only managed to score 13 points in this game. The Bills have a quick turnaround and travel to Houston for a Thursday night showdown.
The Bucs travel cross-country in Week 12 for a tough road test against the Los Angeles Rams.
