It is not terribly easy to make up two games in three weeks in order to make the playoffs. But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in that exact situation as they try to go from 6-7 and the best spot outside of the playoffs. They are chasing the Minnesota Vikings who are 8-5. But with the Buccaneers having a road game against the St. Louis Rams this week, then they have the extra time to prepare for their final home game against the Chicago Bears, before their season finale against the 2015 NFC South Champion Carolina Panthers. But to do that let's take a closer look at their matchup against the Rams this week.
Rams Offense
Let's face it, Case Keenum is not the main man that anyone is worried about on this offense. Everyone is worried about the man behind him in the backfield, Todd Gurley. Gurley is a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year. It will be up to see if Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt can stretch the field. Austin has always been a speedster and it would be important to see him get involved early and often so that the Rams can keep things going. Also, look for newly acquired Wes Welker to be a go to guy as far as a possession receiver is concerned.
Bucs Offense
The Bucs offense is going to be taking a small step back as Vincent Jackson has been ruled out for week 15. Jameis Winston and the offense need to find another weapon on offense, and a great option for that will be their tight end, Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He has only played in a few games this year as he was hurt earlier on in the season, but he has good size and could come in incredibly handy down by the goal line.
Both of these teams are far better known for their defenses though. It will be tough for the Bucs offense to stop defensive end Robert Quinn, who had three sacks last week against the Detroit Lions. On the other side the Rams offensive line will have their hands full with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. McCoy has seven sacks this season and is not easy to move around either. Lavonte David is a force at the linebacker position as well, becoming Lovie Smith's version of a Lance Briggs.
When it comes down to it though, there are simply more players to trust on the Bucs side of the ball than on the Rams. Winston should be able to find a way to achieve victory on the road and lead his team to a 7-7 record while they chase those Vikings. A loss for the Rams would equally knock them out of the playoff race as they hold their thin hopes at 5-8 and they have to win out as well. The Bucs have more to play for though as they have to try and find a way to attempt a playoff run. They will find a way to get the win by a final score of 23-17.