The Buccaneers head to Detroit this Sunday for a rematch of the 2024 NFC Divisional Round against the Lions. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Buccaneers +7 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Buccaneers vs. Lions
Sunday, September 15, 2024 – 01:00 PM ET at Ford Field
Tampa Bay’s Quietly Impressive Start
The Buccaneers cruised to a 37-20 victory over the Commanders in Tampa on Sunday, with Baker Mayfield delivering a standout performance. Mayfield threw for 289 yards and connected on four touchdown passes. The defense also made a significant impact, limiting rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to just 184 passing yards in his first career start.
Mike Evans led the charge in the air with two touchdowns, while Chris Godwin and rookie Jalen McMillan each added one of their own. Despite being shorthanded, with two defensive starters out and three cornerbacks injured during the game, Tampa’s defense managed to contain the Commanders’ offense.
On the other side, the Lions showed resilience in Week 1, pulling off a 26-20 overtime win against the Rams. Jared Goff completed 18 of 28 passes for 217 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. David Montgomery powered the ground game with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while Jameson Williams led the receivers with five catches for 121 yards and a touchdown.
Now, Goff and his offense will look to exploit a Buccaneers secondary dealing with injuries, which struggled even before them.
NFL Pick
Detroit got the best of Tampa Bay last season, winning both matchups: a 20-6 victory on the road in Week 6 and a 31-23 triumph in the playoffs. In those games, the Lions’ offense posted over 380 total yards each time, consistently picking apart Tampa Bay’s pass defense. Amon-Ra St. Brown was particularly lethal, tallying 20 receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns across the two contests.
Heading into this rematch, the Lions’ offense seems primed to continue moving the ball efficiently, even against Tampa Bay’s tough run defense. While Mayfield and his top targets, Evans and Godwin, pose a threat, Detroit’s defense is well-equipped to handle the Buccaneers’ inconsistent rushing attack. The Lions have the upper hand in talent, but expect a close contest.
NFL Pick: Buccaneers +7 (-110) at Bet365
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