The Detroit Lions are back in the prime time spotlight for a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Detroit’s coming off a disappointing loss on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs while battling some injuries on defense. The NFC-leading Bucs are looking red hot at 5-1, but dealing with a Lions team back in front of their rowdy home field crowd.
This matchup has a lot of national NFL writers a bit torn. Here’s what they’re saying.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco: 35-34 Lions
“This is a big game in terms of NFC dominance. Both teams have a lot of injury issues, yet they have fought through them. The Bucs are the top seed right now in the NFC because of Baker Mayfield. With Jared Goff also rolling up big numbers, this has the look of a game with a lot of points. I see the Lions winning a close one.”
LA Times’ Sam Farmer: 28-24 Bucs
“The Buccaneers catch Detroit at a good time with key injuries. Baker Mayfield keeps the Bucs in games, and their defense, while inconsistent, can be opportunistic. Tampa Bay steals it late.”
Sporting News’ Bill Bender: 35-28, Lions
“The Buccaneers and Lions are the best game of the week in a possible NFC championship preview. Baker Mayfield should be able to have success against a Detroit secondary littered with injuries. The Lions are 2-0 ATS at home this season – where they average 44 points per game. If this turns into a shootout, then Detroit will be comfortable.”
USA Today writers tended to lean a bit more toward a Lions win.
“While Mike Evans may be returning in this game, the absence of Emeka Egbuka is equally harmful to this Bucs’ offense. I’ll take the Lions to bounce back at home in primetime.” – Jon Hoefling, Lions
“Such a juicy matchup between two teams that could break the scoreboard. It’s tough to pick a winner, but given Tampa Bay’s knack for playing close games, this one goes down to the very last second.” – Jordan Mendoza, Bucs
“Detroit’s secondary is banged up. That was apparent during a loss to Kansas City. However, the Bucs are battling injuries at wide receiver.” – Tyler Dragon, Lions
“This is a fascinating game, though the Buccaneers are pretty banged up, especially at running back and receiver. The Lions were just humiliated against the Chiefs, so I think this is a prime bounceback option at great value, especially at Ford Field.” – Lorenzo Reyes, Lions
“Lions in a prime-time bounceback? Sign me up. Even if it’s against the MVP favorite.” – Christopher Bumbaca, Lions
“If you keep giving me the Bucs with points, I’m gonna keep taking the Bucs with points. Baker Mayfield thrives off the disrespect alone.” – Blake Schuster, Bucs
Finally, ESPN’s Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Pamela Maldonado, Jason Reid, and Lindsey Thiry picked Detroit to win, while Dan Graziano, Eric Moody, and Seth Wickersham went with the Bucs.
And onto the rest of your notes.
- A look back on Aidan Hutchinson’s recovery journey from the man himself.
- Great column from The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy on Brian Branch.
- So cool! Ford Field gives us a look at the black ambience for the big MNF matchup.
- I mentioned in yesterday’s Notes that the Sun God went to his first Red Wings game. Here’s a video of the adventure:
- Some great stuff over on “Closed on Sundays,” co-hosted by the Lions’ own Terrion Arnold.
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