In an interconference battle between two middle-class teams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts are both vying for a playoff spot in their largely woeful divisions. A loss on Sunday will significantly dampen either team’s chances to play in the postseason.
Despite losing their starting quarterback in 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson for the season, the Colts have one of the more productive offenses in the NFL, ranking 11th overall. The defense has not been as stout, allowing the ninth-most points in the league.
The Bucs have been most successful playing flawed teams while proving they do not belong with the elite like the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills or Philadelphia Eagles. Indianapolis poses an opportunity for the Bucs to remain in the mix for the NFC South title.
Here are three keys to victory for the Bucs’ Week 12 matchup with the Colts: