NFC Divisional Round: Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With the NFL playoffs heating up, the focus shifts to the NFC Divisional Round showdown between the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams are coming off strong performances in the Wild Card round and are looking to continue their momentum in this crucial game.

Game Overview

The Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, face the Lions, captained by Jared Goff, in a battle of former No. 1 overall picks. The game promises to be a high-octane affair with both teams boasting powerful offenses and struggling defenses.

Game Details:

• Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
• Date: Sunday, January 21, 2024
• Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET
• Channels: NBC, CBS , ESPN

Betting Odds and Predictions

The Lions enter the game as favorites with -278 odds for the moneyline and -287 odds for the -1 spread on DraftKings. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, are +10.5 point underdogs, with -227 odds and +225 odds for the moneyline.

Key Betting Insights:

• The Lions have covered the spread 12 times in 17 regular-season games and once in the postseason.
• The Buccaneers have an 11-6-0 record against the spread in the regular season and a 1-0-0 record in the postseason.
• The Over on the third quarter total has cashed in nine of Detroit’s last 10 games.
• Tampa Bay has hit the moneyline in three of their last three home games.
• Detroit has a 5-3-0 ATS record in home games so far while putting up a record of 6-2 overall in these contests.

Offensive and Defensive Matchups

The Lions’ offensive prowess is led by QB Jared Goff who threw for 4,575 yards in the regular season, with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His favorite targets are All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta. With a potent passing game and a solid running game led by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ offense is ranked third in the NFL.

On the other hand, the Buccaneers, led by QB Baker Mayfield, are fresh off a 426-yard explosion in their Wild Card round victory over the Eagles. With a pair of stud wideouts in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and a red-hot QB in Mayfield, the Buccaneers’ offense is not to be taken lightly.

Defensively, both teams have had their struggles. The Lions have allowed a whopping 352 passing yards per game in their last four outings. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, rank 24th in defensive dropback EPA, struggling specifically against tight ends and No. 1 wideouts.

Key Player Performances

Baker Mayfield has played some of his best football down the stretch, with 11 touchdowns to just two interceptions in the last six games. His performance will be crucial for the Buccaneers’ chances.

For the Lions, Jared Goff has been the linchpin of their offense. He completed 81.5 percent of his passes against the Rams in the Wild Card round and will be a threat to the Buccaneers’ defense.

On the defensive side, the Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson and the Buccaneers’ Shaquil Barrett will be the players to watch. Hutchinson had a career-high 30.4 percent pressure rate last week, while Barrett, despite being limited in practice this week with an injury, is expected to play and could be instrumental in pressuring Goff.

Final Thoughts

With both teams boasting potent offenses and struggling defenses, this match could likely be a high-scoring affair. The Lions, with their home-field advantage and balanced offense, are favored to win. However, the Buccaneers’ recent form and potent passing game could tilt the scales in their favor. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter and a true test for both teams on their road to the Super Bowl.