This game could wind up being a shootout based on both teams’ first game of the year.  The Bucs gave up 462 yards to the Cowboys while the Bills allowed 441 yards to the Patriots.  The Buccaneers would prefer to run the ball to control the clock and keep the ball away from the Bucs.  The Bills did well against the run last week holding the Patriots to 73 yards rushing and 3.2 yards per carry, so it won’t be easy for the Bucs to run the ball.  Cadillac Williams (97 yards) and Derrick Ward (62 yards) led the way for the Bucs on the ground and they will likely split carries against the Bucs.  Kellen Winslow could be in for a huge game for the Bucs this week as Ben Watson of the Patriots tore up the Bills last week.  The Bills only had 1 sack last week so Byron Leftwich should have the time needed to throw the football when he wants to.

The Bills played o.k. on offense last week despite only having possession of the football for 22:52 of the game.  The Bills will likely get the ball into Fred Jackson’s hands quite a bit in this game against a Bucs’ D that allowed 119 yards rushing and 4.9 ypc last week.  With this matchup though the Bills will likely turn Trent Edwards loose.  WRs Terrell Owens and Lee Evans could be in line for huge games against the Bucs’ D.

PREDICTION:  BILLS 31, BUCS 27