Buccaneers vs. Lions Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jared Goff, Lions Continue Magical Run In Divisional Round?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take a trip to Detroit to take on the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. Can Jared Goff and the Lions continue their magical run In Divisional Round? Jason Radowitz answers.
Jason Radowitz - January 17, 2024, 9:27 AM EST
5 minBuccaneers vs. Lions Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Jared Goff, Lions Continue Magical Run In Divisional Round?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take a trip to Detroit, Michigan, to take on the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
The Lions and Buccaneers each earned their respective divisions and got home games in the Wild Card round. After both teams earned Wild Card wins, the Lions, with the better record and higher seeding, will get the home game.
Jared Goff and Detroit's offense started hot at home against the Rams in that Wild Card game. However, the Lions only scored three points in the second half and escaped the Rams, who also struggled to score in the second half.
The Lions have been inconsistent defensively but still have one of the best offenses in the NFL. They'll take on Baker Mayfield and a Buccaneers squad that has improved drastically over the last few months.
Which NFC team will make the NFC Championship game next weekend?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions.
Buccaneers vs. Lions Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 21, 2024
- Game Time: 3:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBC
Buccaneers vs. Lions Odds
- Spread: Buccaneers +6 (-110), Lions -6 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 48.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Buccaneers (+220), Lions (-270)
Buccaneers vs. Lions Injury Report
Buccaneers
Questionable: DL Mike Greene (Calf)
Lions
Questionable: WR Kalif Raymond (Knee)
Out: TE James Mitchell (Hand), CB Jerry Jacobs (Thigh)
Buccaneers vs. Lions Prediction
The Buccaneers won't be home this weekend. However, Tampa Bay is peaking at the right time.
In must-win situations, the Buccaneers have allowed just nine points in the last eight quarters. The defense, specifically the secondary, looked awful at the beginning of the season. But things have really turned around recently.
After all, the Buccaneers allowed 248.94 yards per game. However, while Jalen Hurts added 250 yards last weekend against the Bucs, he was also sacked three times and had a QBR of just 40.2.
Tampa Bay has also held teams to 95.29 yards on the ground, which is a very solid rate and above average in the NFL on the ground.
The Buccaneers haven't been dominant all season defensively. But recently, they've clicked. That's all that really matters.
On the other hand, nobody is talking about how the Lions struggled to score points in the second half at home against the Rams. The Lions escaped the Rams with a 24-23 win but only scored three points in the entire second half.
That's a bit concerning. While the defense stepped up to close out the game, Detroit can't expect the defense to do that each week.
After all, Detroit has allowed more passing yards than the Buccaneers this season and has given up about four more points per game.
The Lions have a solid pass rush, but that secondary is abysmal at times, and the missed tackles piled up throughout the season for the Lions.
Detroit has so many weapons. But the Buccaneers do, too. They'll make plays in the air, just like the Lions. After a subpar second half for the Lions last weekend, I think the Buccaneers cover the 6.5-point spread.
Tampa Bay is playing terrific football right now. They scored in every quarter against the Eagles in Wild Card Weekend.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions Pick
- Buccaneers +6.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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