Buccaneers at Chargers: Five Game-Changing Players

The Buccaneers (6-5) are playing good football, which has them right in the thick of the playoff conversation. This week, they head west to take on the San Diego Chargers (5-6). Here, we have five players that can change the outcome of the game.

The Buccaneers are playing their best football of the year at the right time. They’ve beaten the Chiefs and Seahawks in back-to-back weeks, which is part of a three-game winning streak. As a result, Tampa Bay is just one game back of Atlanta for first place in the NFC South, while also sitting one-half game back of Washington for a wild card spot.

On Sunday, the Bucs’ defense stifled the Seahawks en route to a 14-5 win. The defensive line sacked Russell Wilson six times, which played a role in the three Seattle turnovers. Jameis Winston connected with Mike Evans for two touchdowns in the first quarter, which was enough for the Bucs to pull off yet another upset. If they play the way they have in recent weeks on Sunday, they could come back home with a 7-5 record.

The Chargers also picked up a big win in week 12, handing the Texans their first home loss of the year. San Diego may be in last place at the moment, but it’s not because of awful play. Mike McCoy’s team has lost six games this season, but each has been by just one possession.

Both teams are hovering around .500 at the start of December. The Bucs can get further above the mark with a win, but the Chargers will be looking to pull even at 6-6 on the year. Which five players can impact the game’s final score?