Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions: Preview, prediction and odds
The Detroit Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Read our in-depth preview.
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Preview for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions
Week 7 of the NFL season wraps up in style as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) travel to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions (4-2) in a Monday Night Football clash.
This matchup pits one of the league’s hottest quarterbacks against a Detroit defense struggling to stay healthy.
The result could have lasting implications for postseason seeding – and perhaps even the MVP race.
Few players in the NFL have silenced critics this season quite like Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers quarterback has rediscovered his rhythm, throwing 12 touchdowns to just one interception through six games while guiding Tampa Bay to a 5-1 record.
But Detroit’s defense – though talented – comes into Monday night depleted. The Lions will be without safety Brian Branch, who is serving a one-game suspension, while several other key defensive backs are battling injuries or remain on injured reserve.
That could spell trouble against a quarterback in form and a passing attack eager to exploit mismatches downfield.
Tampa Bay, however, isn’t fully healthy either. Rookie Emeka Egbuka and veteran Chris Godwin are both nursing knocks, though star wideout Mike Evans returned to practice this week in a limited capacity.
This primetime meeting carries major play-off weight in the NFC. A Buccaneers win would push them closer to securing a top seed and establish Mayfield as a legitimate MVP contender.
A Lions victory, meanwhile, would snap the momentum of one of the conference’s hottest teams and keep Detroit firmly in the hunt for the NFC North crown.
Offensively, Jared Goff will aim to reignite Detroit’s attack after a disappointing showing in Kansas City. Prior to that loss, the Lions were averaging over 40 points per game during a dominant four-game win streak – and they haven’t dropped consecutive games since 2022. #
If Goff can establish rhythm early, especially with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs healthy, Detroit has the firepower to match Mayfield blow for blow.
Prediction for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions
Expect fireworks under the lights in Detroit. The Buccaneers have the edge in momentum and quarterback play, but Ford Field is never an easy place to visit.
If Mayfield stays clean in the pocket and Evans is healthy enough to play a full complement of snaps, Tampa Bay could pull away late. But if Hutchinson and the Lions’ front can disrupt the rhythm early, this could swing in Detroit’s favour.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-30 Detroit Lions
How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Detroit Lions matchup kicks off at 8:15pm ET.
Fans in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN and ABC, with streaming available via FuboTV.
International viewers can watch through NFL Game Pass on DAZN, with UK viewers able to access on Sky Sports.
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