| Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) at Detroit Lions (4-2) | |||
| Game Details: Sunday, October 20, 7 p.m. EST | |||
| Location: Ford Field | |||
| Where to Watch: ABC |
Week 7 Matchup
The Ford Field lights will shine bright Monday night as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the Detroit Lions in a highly anticipated NFC showdown. The 5-1 Buccaneers come in hot on a two-game win streak, while the 4-2 Lions look to rebound after a primetime SNF loss to Kansas City.
Tampa Bay boasts the best record in the NFC, but Detroit has been one of the league’s most consistent teams the last few years and is determined to protect its home turf.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | +5.5 | +198 | Over 52.5 |
| Detroit Lions | -5.5 | -240 | Under 52.5 |
** Odds Subject to Change – Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Team Stats – Avg Per Game | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 27.5 | Points Per Game | 31.8 |
| 244.2 | Passing Yards Per Game | 225 |
| 109.3 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 128.7 |
| 25.2 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 23.7 |
| 231.3 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 212.7 |
| 88.2 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 95.5 |
Statistics from various online sources and courtesy of ESPN and FOX Sports
Key Details
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers march into Detroit with the best record in the NFC, but they are far from full strength. The team is dealing with significant injuries, particularly on offense where key players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. are banged up. If Evans can’t go, the Bucs will be without their top four receivers, putting immense pressure on emerging talents. Second-year pro Kameron Johnson stepped up in a big way last week, recording his first career catch for a 34-yard touchdown and finishing with four receptions. Now, he’s poised to make an even bigger impact.
All eyes will be on quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has turned into a star after an unlikely path to get here. With 12 touchdowns against only one interception, Mayfield is playing some of the best football of his career and will be looking to exploit a depleted Detroit secondary.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have built their identity on a punishing ground-and-pound philosophy ever since Dan Campbell took over as head coach. When the Lions run the ball effectively, their entire offense clicks. After being held in check last week against Kansas City, expect Detroit to re-establish its dominant rushing attack early and often.
The dynamic running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery represents the toughest challenge the Buccaneers have faced this season. On the other side of the ball, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has been a game-wrecker. With a sack in five straight games, Hutchinson is a constant threat and will be looking to disrupt Mayfield’s rhythm all night.
Prediction
Detroit Lions fans should take a moment to appreciate how far this team has come since the Dan Campbell era began. The Lions just wrapped up a Sunday Night Football appearance and now host Monday Night Football. The cameras will capture a fired-up fan base, and the announcers will rave about what an electric atmosphere Ford Field has become.
This kind of national spotlight simply didn’t happen a few years ago, when the Lions’ only prime-time game was the traditional Thanksgiving Day slot. So what does all this mean for the actual game? Honestly, not much. If the Lions stumble on MNF against the Bucs, which I’m predicting they will, it won’t matter. The prime-time cameras will be back soon enough, and this team will have another chance to redeem itself.
