Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 15th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The Detroit Lions had to commence their season against a team they eliminated from the playoffs last year. The upcoming week of the season will follow suit.

After a 26-20 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams, the Lions will host Tampa Bay on Sunday. In the divisional round of the NFC Playoffs, Detroit ended the Bucs' 2023 season with a 31-23 triumph.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff is not placing too much emphasis on last year's playoff game as he prepares for Sunday's rematch against the 1-0 Buccaneers.

"You can analyze it all you want. You can play the game of, 'Okay, we did this and they did that, so how do we counter this and then we have to counter that.' And that can lead you down a long rabbit hole," he stated.

"So we just have to prepare for it like any other game, watch the tape as if it's just another game, and understand that they may try to take away certain things from us. But at the same time, they will likely try to take away something else in this game, so we will have to adjust as we go."

The Rams effectively limited the Lions' offensive weapons in their opener on Sunday. Goff only threw for 217 yards, with 52 of those coming on a touchdown pass to Jameson Williams. All-Pro Amon Ra St. Brown was held to just 13 yards on three receptions, and Sam LaPorta also had a relatively quiet night with four catches for 45 yards.

Detroit's coach Dan Campbell anticipates that the Bucs, like the Rams, will be contenders for their division title.

"They will definitely be competitive and in the race, so this is a chance for us to get an early win," he said. "If we can get an early win, who knows what that will mean down the road. If we can put some points on the board early in the season, it will pay off for us in the long run. That's how we have to approach it."

Tampa Bay's coach Todd Bowles says there is nothing his team can take away from their last trip to Detroit.

"That was last year in the playoffs. They knocked us out," he stated. "We are 1-0 and we are trying to win this game to go 2-0."

Bucs receiver Chris Godwin is looking forward to the challenge.

"I am just excited for the opportunity to go back there," he said. "It's a great atmosphere. The fans were really into it during our last game there. They are very excited about how good their team is, and they have every right to be. As a competitor, it's really enjoyable to play in places like that."

Godwin had a strong start to the season with eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown in the Bucs' 37-20 win over Washington. Mike Evans also had a solid game with 61 yards and two touchdown catches. Baker Mayfield completed 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns.

In the playoff game, Mayfield threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns, but was also intercepted twice and sacked four times. The Lions did not have any turnovers, and St. Brown and LaPorta combined for 17 receptions.

"They have talent all over the field, there is no doubt about that," Bowles said. "They can hurt you in a lot of different ways."

Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. did not practice on Wednesday due to a foot injury for Tampa Bay. Offensive tackle Penei Sewell (ankle) and safety Kerby Joseph (hamstring) were among the Lions who also did not practice.

PREDICTION

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

22

30

Detroit Lions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions Recap SEP 15TH 2024