The Bills find themselves at a pivotal point in the season. The team is 6-3, headed into a challenging and competitive stretch on their schedule.

That begins this weekend when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who similarly are at 6-3 and looking for a win.

Buffalo has an offense that needs to improve with a passing game searching for answers, and a defense that is hoping to get healthy and effective, and finally stop the run.

The Bucs have dropped three straight losses, and the Bills are coming off an uncharacteristic loss to the Dolphins. Both clubs need a win and to right the ship. Will Buffalo charge to a win?

Here are three keys to a Buffalo Bills victory against Tampa Bay in NFL Week 11:

Stop The Run

The Bills’ run defense this season has been sparse, one of several issues the Bills teams have yet to solve during head coach Sean McDermott’s tenure.

This year, it has once more been particularly bad in terms of giving up long plays and points, but also in seemingly not being able to stop it at times at all. And opponents are attacking that weakness.

Buffalo faces the 25th-highest run percentage in the NFL. Out of 32 teams, they are 31st in the NFL in opponent yards per rush (5.5), and 30th in opponent rush yards per game (147.6), and have the fifth-worst defensive EPA on rushing plays (+0.072).

Whether it’s Bucky Irving or Sean Tucker, Buffalo will need to defend the run effectively.

Take What The Defense Gives Them

One of the Bucs’ weaknesses is that they give up explosive plays, meaning Joe Brady and Josh Allen should not be shy about targeting top playmakers with yards after catch (YAC) potential.

With a weaker linebacker group, Tampa’s pass rush isn’t very good, and its pass coverage struggles. They are also one of the league’s worst defenses in the red zone.

Offensive rhythm, making big plays, moving the ball downfield, and red zone execution could help win the day.

Control Time Of Possession

The Bills need to account for their passing game issues on offense and struggles to stop the run on defense. While they will look to improve on both this week, the most strategic chess move they can make in a game that could have a playoff level of competition would be for Allen and company to convert on third down, for the defense to get stops on third down, and to win time of possession.

In the end, these are teams that can score a lot of points; limiting Tampa’s ability and opportunities to do so will give Allen and the offense the chance to accumulate winning points on the board in what could otherwise turn into an offensive shootout. Staying ahead of the chains and winning on early downs can help Buffalo get ahead early.

Tampa is without Mayfield’s go-to receiving target in Chris Godwin and may be without running back Bucky Irving. Applying pressure to the pocket, defending the run, and getting stops on third down can be a recipe for success.