The 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 4-2 Detroit Lions will take center stage in Week Seven when they lead off a Monday Night Football doubleheader with a 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff at Ford Field on October 20. The Buccaneers will bring the NFC's best record into the critical conference showdown while the Lions are right behind at 4-2. This will mark the Buccaneers' third visit to Detroit in the last 22 months.
Both teams have regularly been putting up high point totals, with the Lions ranking second in the league in scoring and the Bucs ranking sixth. Both quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff, have their teams ranked in the top eight in interception percentage as well, and the two teams have combined for just five turnovers in a combined 12 outings. One of the best and perhaps more important battles will take place when the Lions hand the ball off; with the two-headed backfield monster of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the Lions rank eighth in the NFL with 128.7 rushing yards per game, but the Bucs counter with a fifth-ranked rush defense that is only allowing 88.2 yards per game. Here's how the Buccaneers and Lions stack up against each other for their Week Seven prime-time tilt at Ford Field:
When Tampa Bay Has the Ball:
| Buccaneers Offense | Category | Lions Defense |
|---|---|---|
| 12th (353.5) | Net Yards Per Game | 9th (308.2) |
| 9th (5.76) | Yards Per Play | 12th (5.28) |
| 6th (27.5) | Points Per Game | 18th (23.7) |
| 20th (109.3) | Rushing Yards Per Game | 11th (95.5) |
| 7th (244.2) | Passing Yards Per Game | 14th (212.7) |
| 14th (41.1%) | Third Down Percentage | 20th (40.6%) |
| 8th (5.13%) | Sacks Per Pass Play | 4th (10.11%) |
| 1st (0.51%) | Interception Percentage | 6th (3.19%) |
| 23rd (52.6%) | Red Zone Touchdown Pct. | t-24th (66.7%) |
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' players participating in the student mentorship program with Tampa Bay Tech and Leto High School on Wednesday, October 15th 2025.
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34, and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34, and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34, and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34, and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When Detroit Has the Ball:
| Lions Offense | Category | Buccaneers Defense |
|---|---|---|
| 11th (353.7) | Net Yards Per Game | 14th (319.5) |
| 7th (5.91) | Yards Per Play | 16th (5.34) |
| 2nd (31.8) | Points Per Game | 24th (25.2) |
| 8th (128.7) | Rushing Yards Per Game | 5th (88.2) |
| 14th (225.0) | Passing Yards Per Game | 21st (231.3) |
| 17th (40.3%) | Third Down Percentage | 15th (39.2%) |
| 9th (5.14%) | Sacks Per Pass Play | 12th (8.04%) |
| 8th (1.14%) | Interception Percentage | 15th (2.01%) |
| 4th (74.1%) | Red Zone Touchdown Pct. | 28th (68.9%) |
Advantage Buccaneers: Passing Offense
Even with all the injuries sustained by the Buccaneers' pass-catching corps – by the second half in Week Six the offense was without Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan – Baker Mayfield has kept the Bucs' passing attack near the top of the league rankings. Mayfield is throwing for 244.2 yards per game, which ranks seventh in the NFL, and has a passer rating of 108.5. Meanwhile, the Lions' secondary has been hit with an equally damaging rash of injuries to its secondary, with D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw all on injured reserve and Avonte Maddox dealing with a hamstring injury. This week, that crew will also be without versatile safety Brian Branch, who will be serving a one-game suspension. The Lions' pass defense has still coped pretty well, ranking 14th in the NFL while allowing 212.7 yards pr game, but last Sunday night the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes hit them for 257 yards and three touchdowns while completing 73.3% of his passes.
Advantage Lions: Red Zone Scoring
Detroit's red zone offense has been predictably very efficient. After ranking no lower than fourth in red zone touchdown percentage in each of the past three seasons, the Lions are at fourth again this year, taking 74.1% of their trips inside the 20 all the way to the end zone. The Lions are particularly good at running the ball in that compressed area of the field and are clearly determined to do so, averaging eight red zone carries per game and ranking second in the NFL with 123 rushing yards in that situation. The Buccaneers did get one red zone stop in last week's win over San Francisco, but still rank 28th in the NFL in that category. Opposing teams have turned 68.9% of their forays inside Tampa Bay's 20-yard line into touchdowns.
X-Factor: Turnovers
These two teams simply are into giving the ball away. The Buccaneers and Lions have combined for five turnovers in 12 games, and Tampa Bay's offense has gone without a giveaway in five of its six outings. Not coincidentally, the Bucs' only turnovers came in the team's only loss so far, to Philadelphia in Week Four. Detroit has only allowed three points off turnovers all season while the Bucs have only allowed seven. Obviously, this is a big strength for both teams and the trend could continue through Monday night. But if either defense manages to break through in the turnover department, that will probably prove to be a winning edge.
