In a 4:25 p.m. game this weekend, the Lions will travel to face the Buccaneers in what is expected to be a very good and close game. The Lions just defeated the Carolina Panthers at home, and despite being without their second-best offensive and defensive players, they looked incredibly dominant. After an early bye week, during which most injured players should be able to return to action, the Buccaneers will be well rested. This will be a challenging assignment for Detroit to perform on the road in this game between two teams with one loss, but it’s set up to be a very fun game.
The Buccaneers are coming off a bye week, so it’s probable that everyone will be fit and available to play. Despite what many people anticipated, the Buccaneers are 3-1 and are likely to make the playoffs with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is having one of his greatest seasons in recent memory. Mayfield has looked terrific and is assisting this offense in a number of ways. They haven’t had a terrific rushing game with Rachaad White, but their passing game has looked excellent with receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Despite some expecting this would be the year it ended, Evans is on track to have yet another season with 1000 yards, which would make it 10 seasons in a row. Their defense is also a significant contributor to their success. Despite being weak against the run, their defensive line has excelled in the pass game, recording an average of three sacks per game and applying continuous pressure to the quarterback. Lavonte David and Devin White, two linebackers, have both excelled, particularly when it comes to making plays in the pass game and during coverage. Despite having a mediocre secondary, they have picked off a total of 6 passes in only 4 games. The Lions should present a significant challenge for the Bucs and might serve as a true test for the future success of this Bucs team.
The Lions are at 4-1 on the season after a fantastic 42-24 victory over Carolina in which they controlled the entire game. The Lions defense kept proving why it’s one of the best in the NFL by forcing three turnovers and applying constant pressure to Bryce Young. The defensive line has performed admirably thus far, continuing to rule the running game and demonstrating their superiority. The linebackers are also playing extremely well, making the necessary open-field tackles and excelling at stopping the run. Aidan Hutchinson, who now has 4.5 sacks and an interception, continues to be a threat on the defensive line. Hutch’s excellent one-handed pick on Sunday gave the Lions excellent field position for a score. Jerry Jacobs, who is having an outstanding season, has added another interception to go with Hutchinson’s. Sam LaPorta, a rookie tight end, scored on a 1-play flea flicker after the Lions’ pick by Jacobs. LaPorta has been exceptional thus far, leading all tight ends in receiving yards. Even without Amon-Ra St. Brown this weekend, the offense flourished. In addition to his second rushing score of the year, Goff has three passing touchdowns. Goff keeps producing excellent passes, which is a significant factor in the Lions’ success. Josh Reynolds has three touchdowns and over 300 yards this season, which he is projected to finish with career highs in both. Reynolds is one of Goff’s most trustworthy weapons, and this year, their connection has just been stronger. The run game has also been excellent, with Montgomery currently leading the league with 6 touchdowns and 371 yards on 4.2 yards per carry in just 4 games. Detroit’s success may be attributed in large part to the o-line, which consistently opens large gaps in the run game and gives Goff plenty of time to pass. Despite some injuries up front, they are still among the best teams in the NFL. Both teams have a good chance of winning in this game, which I expect to be extremely close. Which defense performs better will be the determining factor in this game’s outcome.
My Prediction: Lions 28 Buccaneers 17 
