Buffalo Bills vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats

Buffalo Bills vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats from the November 16, 2025 matchup tell the story of a high-scoring game in which Buffalo’s explosive passing attack and Josh Allen’s goal-line rushing production overcame a strong Tampa Bay ground game. The Buffalo Bills defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 44-32, combining 317 passing yards with six total touchdowns from Allen. Tampa Bay answered with 202 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, but Buffalo made the more decisive plays late in the game.

The final score can make this matchup look more one-sided than it actually was. Tampa Bay led 17-14 during the second quarter and remained within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers eventually pulled within 32-31 after a Sean Tucker touchdown reception, but Buffalo responded with two Josh Allen rushing touchdowns to close the game.

This breakdown examines the quarterback numbers, rushing and receiving performances, defensive production, turnovers, special teams, scoring flow, and the deeper statistical reasons Buffalo finished with the win.

Buffalo Bills vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The game was played on November 16, 2025, with Buffalo entering at 6-3 and Tampa Bay at 6-3 before kickoff. Buffalo improved to 7-3 with the victory, while Tampa Bay dropped to 6-4. ESPN’s box score lists the Bills as 7-3 and 5-1 at home following the result, while the Buccaneers were 6-4 and 4-2 on the road.

Category	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Buffalo Bills
Final Score	32	44
Total Yards	367	414
Passing Yards	165 net	317
Rushing Yards	202	97
Total Plays	53	68
First Downs	19	21
Third Down	6/11	9/16
Fourth Down	1/2	1/1
Yards Per Play	7.8	5.4
Red Zone	2/4	3/4
Turnovers	2	3
Time of Possession	35:07	24:53

One of the most interesting aspects of the box score is that Tampa Bay actually produced more yards per play and controlled possession for more than 35 minutes. Buffalo, however, generated 414 total yards and converted 9 of 16 third downs. The Bills also went 1-for-1 on fourth down and scored on three of four red-zone trips.

That combination shows why raw possession and efficiency statistics cannot always predict the winner. Buffalo was more explosive in the passing game, while Tampa Bay was more productive on the ground.

Josh Allen’s Passing Performance

Josh Allen was the central figure in Buffalo’s offensive success.

He completed 19 of 30 passes for 317 yards, averaging 10.6 yards per attempt. He threw three touchdown passes and two interceptions. ESPN recorded a 104.4 passer rating and a 67.0 QBR for the performance. Most importantly, Allen was not sacked during the game.

The numbers reveal two different sides of Allen’s performance.

On one hand, two interceptions prevented the game from becoming an even more dominant statistical outing. On the other, 317 passing yards at 10.6 yards per attempt represents highly effective downfield production. Buffalo also found three passing touchdowns through different portions of the receiving corps.

Allen’s biggest advantage was his ability to turn limited passing opportunities into large chunks of yardage. Buffalo attempted only 30 passes, yet those completions generated 317 yards.

That is an average of more than 16 yards per completion.

Allen’s Six-Touchdown Impact

Allen finished with six total touchdowns, combining three through the air with three rushing scores. ESPN noted that the three-rushing-touchdown performance was only the second game of his career in which he had three rushing touchdowns.

His rushing line was also important:

• 6 carries
• 40 rushing yards
• 6.7 yards per carry
• 3 rushing touchdowns
• Long run of 12 yards

The rushing touchdowns came at critical moments rather than simply padding the final statistics.

Allen scored from two yards in the first quarter, then added a five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. With Buffalo leading 37-32, he delivered the final touchdown on a nine-yard run with 2:35 remaining.

That sequence demonstrates why Allen’s value cannot be measured solely through passing statistics. Tampa Bay’s defense had to account for his ability to run near the goal line, creating another layer of difficulty for the defense.

Baker Mayfield’s Performance for Tampa Bay

Baker Mayfield completed 16 of 28 passes for 173 gross passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. ESPN listed his passer rating at 72.5 and QBR at 75.4. He was sacked once for eight yards.

The 173-yard figure needs a small statistical distinction. The individual passing line shows 173 passing yards, while Tampa Bay’s team statistics list 165 net passing yards after the eight-yard sack. That explains why the figures can appear different when comparing the individual box score with team totals.

Mayfield’s rushing contribution was also significant:

• 5 carries
• 39 yards
• 7.8 yards per carry
• 1 touchdown
• Long of 13 yards

His four-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter helped Tampa Bay move ahead 10-7.

The problem for Tampa Bay was that the passing attack did not consistently match the production of its rushing game. The Buccaneers finished with 202 rushing yards but only 165 net passing yards.

That imbalance made Tampa Bay’s offense effective in stretches but less dependable when Buffalo needed to be pressured through the air.

Sean Tucker Was Tampa Bay’s Biggest Offensive Difference-Maker

Sean Tucker produced one of the strongest individual performances of the afternoon.

He rushed 19 times for 106 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, with two rushing touchdowns. His longest run went for 43 yards. He also caught two passes for 34 yards and a touchdown.

That means Tucker accounted for 140 receiving and rushing yards combined, plus three touchdowns.

His 43-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was especially important. Tampa Bay used its running game to generate explosive plays and maintain pressure on Buffalo’s defense. Later, Tucker added a six-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter and a 28-yard touchdown reception in the fourth.

Tucker’s performance is a major reason the Buccaneers finished with 202 rushing yards.

It also highlights one of the biggest concerns for Buffalo’s defense. ESPN’s Week 11 analysis noted that Tampa Bay produced 145 rushing yards before contact and that all three of the Buccaneers’ rushing touchdowns came outside the tackles.

For Buffalo, the lesson was clear: winning the game did not mean the run defense performed at an ideal level.

Rachaad White Adds 51 Rushing Yards

Rachaad White carried the ball 10 times for 51 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. His longest run was 12 yards.

White helped Tampa Bay establish its ground game early. His 12-yard run on the opening drive helped move the Buccaneers into Buffalo territory.

Although he did not score, White’s efficiency contributed to Tampa Bay’s ability to control the clock.

Together, White and Tucker gave Tampa Bay a productive rushing foundation. Mayfield’s 39 rushing yards added another 5.2 yards per carry to the quarterback’s running workload.

James Cook’s Numbers Were Modest, But His Receiving Was Valuable

James Cook III carried the ball 16 times for only 48 yards, averaging 3.0 yards per carry. His longest rushing attempt was eight yards.

At first glance, those numbers look underwhelming.

However, Cook’s impact expanded considerably through the passing game.

He caught three passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, averaging 22.0 yards per reception. His longest reception was 25 yards.

His 25-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter gave Buffalo a 31-26 lead. The scoring play came immediately after Tampa Bay had taken a 26-21 advantage.

This is a useful reminder when analyzing player statistics: a running back’s value should not be judged solely by rushing yards.

Cook finished with 114 yards from scrimmage, combining his 48 rushing yards with 66 receiving yards.

Buffalo’s Receiving Production Was Extremely Explosive

Buffalo’s receiving numbers were one of the clearest differences between the teams.

The Bills completed 19 passes for 317 yards, producing an average of 16.7 yards per reception. Their longest completion went for 52 yards.

Several players made major contributions.

Tyrell Shavers

Tyrell Shavers led Buffalo in receiving yards with:

• 4 receptions
• 90 yards
• 22.5 yards per reception
• 1 touchdown
• Long of 43 yards
• 5 targets

His 43-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was one of Buffalo’s biggest explosive plays.

Shavers’ performance was particularly important because it demonstrated that Tampa Bay could not focus its entire defensive plan on Buffalo’s most recognizable offensive weapons.

Ty Johnson

Ty Johnson produced an unusual but highly effective receiving line.

He caught two passes for 61 yards, averaging 30.5 yards per reception. His longest reception went for 52 yards and a touchdown.

The 52-yard touchdown came with only 36 seconds left in the second quarter and put Buffalo ahead 21-17.

Johnson also carried once for nine yards.

That means he generated 70 yards from scrimmage on just three offensive touches.

Gabe Davis

Gabe Davis caught three passes for 40 yards on four targets.

His 13.3 yards per reception helped maintain Buffalo’s vertical passing efficiency, even though he did not find the end zone.

James Cook

Cook’s three receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown made him another major part of Buffalo’s explosive passing production.

The Bills therefore received significant yardage from several players rather than relying on one receiver to dominate the box score.

Tampa Bay Receiving Statistics

Tampa Bay’s receiving production was much more concentrated.

Sterling Shepard led the Buccaneers with four receptions for 54 yards, averaging 13.5 yards per reception. His longest catch went for 24 yards.

Emeka Egbuka caught five passes for 40 yards on nine targets. Although he led Tampa Bay in receptions, his 8.0-yard average per reception was much lower than the production of Buffalo’s leading receivers.

Sean Tucker contributed two receptions for 34 yards and one touchdown.

Cade Otton caught two passes for 28 yards, including a 19-yard completion during Tampa Bay’s late fourth-quarter drive.

The contrast is important. Tampa Bay had players capable of producing explosive plays, but Buffalo generated more explosive passing production across the offense.

Defensive Player Statistics

The defensive numbers tell an interesting story because neither team completely controlled the opposing offense.

Tampa Bay recorded 53 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, six passes defended and one quarterback hit. The Buccaneers did not record a sack.

Antoine Winfield Jr. led Tampa Bay with six tackles, including four solo tackles.

Jacob Parrish and SirVocea Dennis each recorded an interception. Tampa Bay therefore finished with two interceptions of Josh Allen.

Despite those takeaways, Tampa Bay could not consistently stop Buffalo’s explosive plays.

Buffalo Defensive Production

Buffalo recorded 80 total tackles, including 40 solo tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss, six passes defended and three quarterback hits.

Jordan Poyer led the Bills with 15 tackles, including seven solo tackles.

Cole Bishop recorded Buffalo’s interception.

The Bills also recovered the decisive late fumble. With 1:52 remaining, Buffalo’s defense sacked Mayfield, forced a fumble and recovered it. Dorian Williams was credited with the recovery.

That turnover effectively ended Tampa Bay’s final realistic opportunity to mount another comeback.

Turnovers Need Careful Interpretation

Turnover statistics are one area where a quick reading of the raw data can create confusion.

The correct team totals from ESPN show Tampa Bay with two turnovers and Buffalo with three. Tampa Bay lost one fumble and threw one interception. Buffalo lost one fumble and threw two interceptions.

So the turnover margin was actually favorable to Tampa Bay.

That makes Buffalo’s 44-32 victory even more notable.

The Bills overcame three turnovers by creating enough explosive offense to compensate. Allen threw two interceptions, while Mecole Hardman Jr. lost a fumble. Tampa Bay’s two turnovers came from Mayfield’s interception and his late lost fumble.

This is one of the most useful lessons from the game: turnovers matter greatly, but they are not the only determinant of a result.

How the Scoring Changed Quarter by Quarter

The game developed in four distinct phases.

First Quarter

Tampa Bay opened the scoring with a Chase McLaughlin field goal.

Buffalo answered with Josh Allen’s two-yard rushing touchdown, ending the opening quarter with the Bills ahead 7-3.

Second Quarter

The second quarter became a shootout.

Mayfield ran for a four-yard touchdown to give Tampa Bay a 10-7 lead.

Buffalo answered with Shavers’ 43-yard touchdown reception.

Tucker then broke free for a 43-yard touchdown run, putting Tampa Bay ahead 17-14.

Buffalo responded with Ty Johnson’s 52-yard touchdown reception.

McLaughlin added a field goal just before halftime, leaving Tampa Bay ahead 20-21? The official score at halftime was Tampa Bay 20, Buffalo 21.

The rapid exchange demonstrated how quickly the game could swing on explosive plays.

Third Quarter

Tampa Bay moved ahead 26-21 after Tucker scored his second rushing touchdown.

Buffalo responded with Prater’s 39-yard field goal and then Cook’s 25-yard touchdown reception.

The third quarter ended with Buffalo leading 31-26.

Fourth Quarter

Tampa Bay regained the lead when Tucker caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield.

The Buccaneers were ahead 32-31.

Then Allen took over near the goal line.

He scored a five-yard rushing touchdown to make it 37-32, followed by his nine-yard rushing touchdown with 2:35 left to push the score to 44-32.

That final sequence was the difference between a close game and a 12-point Buffalo victory.

Why Buffalo Won Despite Tampa Bay’s Rushing Advantage

The most important statistical lesson from this game is that the Bills did not win by dominating every category.

Tampa Bay rushed for 202 yards compared with Buffalo’s 97.

The Buccaneers also held the ball for 35:07 compared with Buffalo’s 24:53.

Tampa Bay produced 7.8 yards per play compared with Buffalo’s 5.4.

Yet Buffalo won because its passing attack was much more explosive and its offense was more successful on key downs.

The Bills converted 9 of 16 third downs, while Tampa Bay converted 6 of 11.

Buffalo also converted its only fourth-down attempt.

That suggests the Bills repeatedly extended drives when the situation demanded it.

The Biggest Statistical Difference: Explosive Passing

Buffalo’s 317 passing yards came on only 30 attempts.

Tampa Bay’s 173 gross passing yards came on 28 attempts.

That means Buffalo produced significantly more yardage without throwing dramatically more often.

The Bills averaged 10.6 yards per pass attempt, compared with Tampa Bay’s 6.2 yards per attempt on the individual quarterback line.

The difference is even more striking when looking at the receiving averages.

Shavers averaged 22.5 yards per reception.

Cook averaged 22.0.

Ty Johnson averaged 30.5.

Buffalo repeatedly converted limited opportunities into substantial chunks of yardage.

That type of offensive efficiency helped overcome the Bills’ lower rushing output and turnover problems.

What the Game Says About Buffalo’s Run Defense

A major takeaway for Buffalo was not entirely positive.

The Bills allowed Tampa Bay to rush for 202 yards at 5.2 yards per carry. ESPN’s analysis highlighted the defensive concern, noting that Tampa Bay produced 145 rushing yards before contact and that all three Buccaneers rushing touchdowns came outside the tackles.

That is significant because Buffalo’s offense was good enough to overcome the defensive issue in this matchup.

Against a team with a stronger passing attack, however, giving up this level of rushing efficiency could create a much more difficult game script.

The defensive performance therefore contains two separate conclusions:

1. Buffalo made enough plays to win.
2. Buffalo still had a clear area that required improvement.

Those two statements can both be true.

What Tampa Bay Can Take From the Performance

Tampa Bay’s 202 rushing yards were a genuine positive.

Tucker’s performance showed the Buccaneers could generate explosive rushing plays, while White provided steady production and Mayfield contributed as a runner.

The problem was sustaining that production through the air.

Mayfield completed 16 of 28 passes, and the Buccaneers’ passing attack generated far less yardage than Buffalo’s.

The late fumble was also costly.

Tampa Bay was still within reach after Otton’s 19-yard reception moved the ball to the Buffalo 46-yard line. But Mayfield was then sacked, fumbled and lost possession.

That play ended the comeback opportunity.

Special Teams Performance

Special teams did not decide the game, but several players produced useful contributions.

Chase McLaughlin made both of his field-goal attempts and both extra-point attempts for eight points.

Matt Prater also scored eight points, making his only field-goal attempt and all five extra-point attempts.

Buffalo had the more explosive kick-return performance.

The Bills recorded 234 kick-return yards on six returns, averaging 39.0 yards per return. Ray Davis accounted for 158 yards on four returns, averaging 39.5 yards per return.

Tampa Bay recorded 161 kick-return yards on six returns.

These hidden-yardage advantages helped Buffalo start several possessions with favorable field position.

A Closer Look at Third-Down Efficiency

Third-down conversion is often more useful than total possession when evaluating whether an offense consistently sustained drives.

Buffalo converted 9 of 16 third-down attempts, or 56.25%.

Tampa Bay converted 6 of 11, or 54.55%.

Both teams were therefore effective in this area.

The difference was volume.

Buffalo ran 68 offensive plays compared with Tampa Bay’s 53.

That means Buffalo generated 15 more plays despite having nearly 10 fewer minutes of possession.

This is an important detail.

The Bills did not need to dominate time of possession to generate opportunities. They created more total plays in a shorter amount of time, helped by explosive gains and successful conversions.

Red-Zone Performance

Buffalo went 3-for-4 in the red zone.

Tampa Bay went 2-for-4.

The Bills therefore converted 75% of their red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, while Tampa Bay converted 50%.

That efficiency mattered in a game decided by 12 points.

Allen’s rushing ability was especially valuable near the goal line. Three of Buffalo’s touchdowns came from Allen’s legs.

For defensive coordinators, this creates a difficult problem. A quarterback who can throw for 317 yards and also score three rushing touchdowns forces defenders to account for both dimensions of the offense.

Key Player Winners From the Game

Several players deserve special recognition based on the statistical evidence.

Josh Allen

Allen produced six total touchdowns and 357 yards of total offense when his 317 passing yards and 40 rushing yards are combined.

Sean Tucker

Tucker produced 106 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards and three total touchdowns.

Tyrell Shavers

Shavers led Buffalo in receiving yards with 90 and scored a touchdown on a 43-yard reception.

Ty Johnson

Johnson turned just two receptions into 61 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for nine yards.

James Cook

Cook had a modest rushing performance but added 66 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Jordan Poyer

Poyer led Buffalo with 15 tackles.

Cole Bishop

Bishop provided one of Buffalo’s defensive interceptions.

What the Numbers Do Not Tell You

Box scores are useful, but they do not capture every important football detail.

For example, Buffalo’s 97 rushing yards may suggest the running game struggled. That is partly true, especially with Cook averaging only 3.0 yards per carry.

But Allen’s 40 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns changed the practical value of Buffalo’s rushing attack.

Likewise, Tampa Bay’s 202 rushing yards look excellent. But those yards did not produce enough points to match Buffalo’s explosive passing efficiency.

The game is therefore a strong example of why player statistics should be viewed in context.

A player can have a low rushing total but still influence the game through receiving.

A defense can allow 202 rushing yards and still win.

A quarterback can throw two interceptions and still account for six touchdowns.

Statistics become more useful when these relationships are examined rather than when individual numbers are viewed in isolation.

Most Important Numbers From the Matchup

Here are the statistics that best summarize the game:

• Final score: Buffalo 44, Tampa Bay 32
• Josh Allen: 317 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 2 INTs
• Josh Allen rushing: 40 yards, 3 TDs
• Baker Mayfield: 173 gross passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Sean Tucker: 106 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
• Sean Tucker receiving: 34 yards, 1 TD
• James Cook: 48 rushing yards, 66 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
• Tyrell Shavers: 90 receiving yards, 1 TD
• Ty Johnson: 61 receiving yards, 1 TD
• Tampa Bay rushing: 202 yards
• Buffalo rushing: 97 yards
• Buffalo passing: 317 yards
• Tampa Bay net passing: 165 yards
• Buffalo third down: 9/16
• Tampa Bay third down: 6/11
• Buffalo red zone: 3/4
• Tampa Bay red zone: 2/4
• Tampa Bay turnovers: 2
• Buffalo turnovers: 3
• Total points: 76

FAQs

Who won between the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 44-32 on November 16, 2025. Buffalo led 21-20 at halftime and finished the game with a 12-point victory.

How many touchdowns did Josh Allen score?

Josh Allen accounted for six touchdowns. He threw three touchdown passes and rushed for three touchdowns.

How many passing yards did Josh Allen have?

Josh Allen completed 19 of 30 passes for 317 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. His passer rating was 104.4.

Who led Tampa Bay in rushing?

Sean Tucker led Tampa Bay with 106 rushing yards on 19 carries. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored two rushing touchdowns.

Who led Buffalo in receiving?

Tyrell Shavers led Buffalo with 90 receiving yards on four receptions. He also scored one touchdown and averaged 22.5 yards per reception.

How many total turnovers did each team have?

Tampa Bay committed two turnovers, while Buffalo committed three. Tampa Bay lost one fumble and threw one interception, while Buffalo lost one fumble and threw two interceptions.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Bills vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats show a game defined by contrasting offensive strengths.

Tampa Bay controlled the ground game with 202 rushing yards, led by Sean Tucker’s 106 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. The Buccaneers also held the ball for more than 35 minutes and generated 367 total yards.

Buffalo won through explosive passing, third-down execution and Josh Allen’s ability to contribute as both a passer and runner. Allen’s 317 passing yards and six total touchdowns were the defining numbers, while Tyrell Shavers, Ty Johnson and James Cook supplied important explosive plays through the air.

The Bills did not play a flawless game. They committed three turnovers and allowed Tampa Bay to run effectively, particularly outside the tackles. Yet Buffalo consistently created bigger plays when opportunities mattered most.

The fourth quarter ultimately settled the contest. Tampa Bay took a 32-31 lead, but Allen responded with two rushing touchdowns. The final turnover on Mayfield’s late fumble ended the Buccaneers’ last serious comeback chance.

In statistical terms, this was not simply a case of the team with more yards winning. It was a demonstration of how explosive passing, red-zone efficiency, third-down execution and quarterback versatility can outweigh disadvantages in rushing production and time of possession.

The result was a 44-32 Buffalo victory and one of the more statistically interesting offensive performances of the 2025 season.