Buccaneers vs. Lions Point Spread: NFL Divisional Playoffs Odds, Prediction
It’s the second playoff game in Detroit in as many weeks. The Lions stole the show last weekend with an electric 24-23 win over Los Angeles. The Bucs will be on the road from here out but took care of business at home last Monday by defeating Philadelphia 32-9.
The Lions lack a ton in playoff experience but they’re situation gets even stranger this week. Last weekend there was all the nerves and unknown in a one-game elimination spot against the team’s former quarterback. Now the expectations are almost taken for granted in Detroit — they’re a big home favourite against an overachieving Bucs squad playing with house money.
Kickoff at Ford Field Sunday goes at 3 p.m. EST with the Lions -6.5 on the point spread and the over-under at 48.5 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Sunday will be the second meeting this season between these non-divisional opponents. Back in Week 6 the Lions went on the road and defeated Tampa Bay 20-6. It was the Bucs lowest offensive output this season despite the Lions ranking 23rd in points allowed and 20th in yards allowed. Jared Goff passed for 353 yards and five Detroit ball carriers combined for 22 rushes for 40 yards with David Montgomery injured during the game and Jahmyr Gibbs out with a hamstring.
But history’s on Tampa Bay’s side. They’ve won seven of their last nine trips to Detroit. The Lions are also 1-4 against the spread the last five times hosting the Bucs. Tampa’s covered in eight of their last nine road games overall. The Lions are 7-1 outright in their last eight home contests. Seven of the Lions last 10 games have went over the total.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last weekend Baker Mayfield appeared in his first playoff game since 2020 and he seized the opportunity. Mayfield finished with 337 passing yards and three touchdowns in the 23-point victory and got plenty of help from some non-household names. David Moore, who had 94 receiving yards all season, scored on a 44-yard catch ad run and Trey Palmer took his only reception to the house for a 56-yard score. Tight end Cade Otton led the Bucs with eight grabs for 89 yards. To beat Detroit, these names will need to produce again along with mainstays like receiver Mike Evans and running back Rachaad White.
Tampa Bay’s now allowed 20 or fewer points in four of their last five outings. They face their toughest offence yet this weekend but this defence is healthy, experienced, and in a groove.
Detroit Lions
The emotional high of winning your first playoff game since 1991 will have Detroit fans, and hopefully players wanting more of that feeling. And regardless of how the Lions come out Sunday, they’ll have a crazy fanbase to their advantage. And in most cases, a crazy gutsy leader in Dan Campbell. That aggressiveness clinched the Lions the win last weekend as they converted a game-ending third-and-long through the air instead of guaranteeing to burn clock.
It’s less risky when considering Campbell put the ball in the hands of Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, the latter being one of the NFL’s most glossed over superstars. St. Brown finished third in the NFL with 1,515 yards and had a spectacular playoff debut last week with a team-high seven catches for 110 yards.
TB
DET