Josh Allen Powers Buffalo Bills to Halftime Lead vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buffalo Bills found themselves in a fight with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of Thursday night's contest.

The Buffalo Bills were glad they had a short week after Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, but they clashed with a Tampa Bay Bucs team Thursday night at Highmark Stadium that's just as hungry for a win.

But despite some late back-and-forth, Buffalo led 17-10 at halftime thanks to a sharp first half from quarterback Josh Allen.

The Bucs fell into a 10-0 hole, but turned the game around in a blink in the second quarter during a major turning point in the game.

After kicker Chase McLaughlin nailed a 57-yard field goal, the Bucs got the ball back right away thanks to a impressive interception off a tipped pass from defensive end William Ghoulston. Tampa Bay only need two plays from there to tie the game at 10-10 on a three-yard touchdown grab from Chris Godwin.

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield finished the first half 12 of 20 passing for 118 yards and one touchdown. He made solid throws and timely plays despite the loud atmosphere.

Allen had a strong first half, going 15 of 19 passing for 179 yards, one touchdown and the aforementioned interception. He scored Buffalo's first touchdown on a 13-yard run before connecting with rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid for a 22-yard score late in the second quarter.

Allen's favorite receiver in the first half was second-year receiver Khalil Shakir, who finished with four catches for 69 yards.

The Bills had no trouble moving the ball, as Allen had a clean pocket for most of the first hall against a Bucs defense that was missing defensive tackle Vita Vea. But Buffalo will need to keep its foot on the pedal in the second half to avoid a repeat of Week 7's loss to the New England Patriots.

Buffalo will receive the second-half kickoff.