Predictions: Buccaneers-Lions
The Detroit Lions are one victory away from their first NFC Championship game appearance since 1991.
Detroit's defense will face another tough test, as the Buccaneers feature a wide receiving tandem that can pose significant challenges for Aaron Glenn's secondary.
Jared Goff is playing confidently and shines at Ford Field. With the offense playing at very high level, it will be difficult for the Buccaneers defense to limit Detroit from moving the football.
Dan Campbell's squad will be victorious in the final game at Ford Field this season, as the team will force more turnovers and make less mistakes than their NFC South opponents.
Lions 24, Buccaneers 16
For the Lions to win on Sunday, they’ll need to win the battle in the trenches. Both they and the Buccaneers have physical offensive lines capable of dominating games. Something will have to give.
One area of concern has consistently been the Lions’ secondary, which will face another tough task in the form of shutting down Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. A key to helping these efforts will be the Lions’ ability to get pressure against Tampa Bay’s max-protect shot plays.
I think the Lions wreak havoc against Baker Mayfield, while owning the line of scrimmage on offense. Paired with what should be another raucous crowd, the Lions are able to cruise in the divisional round and come within one win of a Super Bowl appearance.
Lions 27, Buccaneers 16
The Lions, per SI Sportsbook, are 6.5-point favorites going into their divisional round matchup with the Buccaneers. And, they should be: they are the better team.
Now, don't get me wrong, Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are no slouch, and deserve the Lions’ respect.
Mayfield should be able to effectively throw the football against Detroit's much-maligned secondary, and Todd Bowles’ well-designed blitz schemes should be able to give Lions quarterback Jared Goff fits.
However, I don't believe either of the above factors will be able to derail Detroit and prevent it from advancing to its first conference championship game in 32 years.
Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill will get just enough pressure on Mayfield, and the Lions’ offensive line will do a solid enough job protecting Goff for Detroit to prevail against Tampa Bay.
Lions 24, Buccaneers 17
The Lions came out as a seven-point favorite earlier in the week. Also, Detroit already took care of the Bucs on the road earlier this season, so this is a matchup that I'm not too worried about.
Jared Goff endeared himself to Lions fans last weekend, and is clearly the superior QB in this game. So, I expect that to be on full display. I'll also be keeping my eye on the potential return of James Houston, who was finally activated this week.
Tampa Bay has been better in the second half of the season, but largely inconsistent overall. So, the team doesn't strike me as "legit."
Defensively, containing Mike Evans is always a chore, but I think the Lions will handle business.
Detroit should win this one rather easily, and march on to the NFC Championship Game.
Lions 27, Buccaneers 17
I won’t lie that it’s not a great feeling to be such a large favorite in this game. The Lions seem better in the underdog role, but as the team succeeds, expectations change.
Tampa Bay can be dangerous, but it can also be very inconsistent. The Lions threw the ball all over the Bucs earlier this year, without having Jahmyr Gibbs in the lineup and being without David Montgomery for most of the game. With those two in and a healthy offensive line, Detroit’s offense should be prepared for anything Tampa can throw at it.
The Lions' defense may continue to give up chunk plays to Baker Mayfield, but the Ford Field crowd should also lead to some turnovers by the gunslinger.
Ultimately, I like Detroit to hold a comfortable lead throughout the game, and punch its ticket to the NFC Championship Game.
Lions 27, Bucs 17
