Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview
This Divisional round NFL matchup between the Lions and Buccaneers takes place on Sunday, January 21st at 3:00 ET. The Lions will host the Buccaneers at Ford Field, with the game being televised on NBC.
In a matchup between two NFC teams, the Lions are 6 point favorites at home. Are they the best bet on the spread? Check out my breakdown and analysis of this matchup below. Check out BetCoco for Detroit Lions – Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds
Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head-to-Head and Key Stats
The Buccaneers and Lions did not have any head-to-head matchups last season. But over the last three times playing each other, the Buccaneers have a record of 2-1. The Buccaneers also had the edge vs. the spread in these games, at 2-1. These games averaged a combined total of 44 points per game, leading to an over/under record of 1-2.
- In their last five road games, Tampa Bay has averaged 21 points per game while allowing 19. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 4-1 vs. the spread.
- In their last five home games, Detroit has averaged 27 points per game while allowing 27. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 4-1 vs. the spread.
- Tampa Bay has done well both straight up and vs the spread as the underdog, going 4-1 SU and 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
- Through their last three games as the favorite, the Lions have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 3-0.
Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction
This week will be the Buccaneers’ 10th game on the road, where they have yet to lose (5-4). Their overall mark of 9-8 has them 1st in the NFC-South. In the NFC, they are in 4th place. The Buccaneers hold a 12-6 record against the spread. As we approach the Divisional round, their scoring margin stands at +2.6 per game. To date this season, games involving Tampa Bay rank 24th in total points. Their over/under record stands at 6-12, and the average over/under line for their games is 41.3 points.
On offense, the Buccaneers are averaging 21.1 points per game, putting them 19th in the NFL. Heading into this week’s matchup with the Lions, the Buccaneers defense has given up an average of 18.6 points per game. They are currently 20th in quarterback hits and have allowed an average of 340.4 yards per contest.
This season, the Lions are 1st in the NFC-North on an overall record of 12-5. In non-conference games, their record is 4-1 while going 9-4 in NFC action. This season, the Lions find themselves above .500 versus the spread with a record of 12-6. Their average scoring margin for this season stands at +3.7. Up to this point in the season, games featuring Detroit have ranked 3rd in total points. They have maintained an over/under record of 11-7, and the average over/under line for their games is 47.4 points.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Lions currently hold an average of 26.9 points per game, which places them at 5th in the NFL. Detroit is sitting 23rd in points allowed so far. Heading into the Divisional round, their opponents are putting up an average of 23.2 points per game on 341.1 yards per contest.
Our prediction for this game is that the Lions will come out on top with a projected score of 25-18. The advanced model provides the Lions with a 70% probability of securing the win.
Detroit Lions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Betting Tips
- Take the Lions on the moneyline
- The Lions should also cover at -6
- Our NFL model projects 43 points, and we suggest taking the under
Detroit Lions Injury Report
- Julian Okwara – Arm (Out)
- Shane Zylstra – Knee (Out)
- Jameson Williams – Suspension (Out)
- Nate Sudfeld – Knee (Out)
- Emmanuel Moseley – Knee/hamstring (Out)
- Hendon Hooker – Knee (Out)
- Taylor Decker – Ankle (Out)
- Khalil Dorsey – Illness (Out)
- Josh Paschal – Knee (Out)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report
- SirVocea Dennis – Hamstring (Out)
- Carlton Davis III – Toe (Out)
- Calijah Kancey – Calf (Out)
- Ryan Jensen – Knee (Out)
- Russell Gage – Knee (Out)
