The Bucs (3-3) will play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 28. 

The Bengals emerge as 4 point favorites. 

Here’s what to watch for:

  1. Weather is expected to be sloppy come game time. As a result, this could force an increased presence of the run game. RB Peyton Barber is expected to play despite missing some practice time this week due to an ankle injury. Barber and rookie RB Ronald Jones haven’t been that effective this season, now is the time for both to have a breakout performance, especially due to possible weather conditions.
  2. Jameis Winston has thrown for 395 and 365 yards during the previous couple of weeks. He told us this week how much fun he’s having throwing to this Bucs receiving core due to the talent and depth of his receivers. Why does this matter? Cincinnati gave up 358 yards in the air against Kansas City. If Winston can make sound decisions, and limit the turnovers the Bucs should be in good shape. 
  3. Defensive injuries continue to be an issue. Two starting defensive linemen will be missing against Cincinnati, Gerald McCoy and Vinny Curry. With the struggles this D has had getting pressure on opposing QBs, we’ll see what changes Mark Duffner will make on this defensive line because Bengals QB Andy Dalton is dangerous when given significant time to throw. Of course, LB Kwon Alexander is out for the season with a knee injury. The team signed a couple of linebackers this week to increase depth at this position, but you can’t replace the vocal leadership, the fire and intensity Kwon brings to this defense as a whole. I’m anxious to see what changes at LB Duffner makes. 
  4. Shut down AJ Green. It’s pretty simple, if you let AJ Green have an inch of separation…he’ll make you pay for it. This young Bucs secondary has to bring their A game, or else Green will wreak havoc just like Atlanta’s Julio Jones…who continues to be a Bucs defensive killer.

News Channel 8 is the official station of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Follow along on game day, as we will be bringing you LIVE updates throughout the course of the game right here on wfla.com. 

As always, join Dan Lucas and Annie Sabo for a brand new edition of Bucs Bonus immediately after the 11 p.m. news for post-game reaction and analysis.