Preview for Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions
Week 7 of the NFL season wraps up in fashion because the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) journey to Ford Subject to face the Detroit Lions (4-2) in a Monday Night time Soccer conflict.
This matchup pits one of many league’s hottest quarterbacks in opposition to a Detroit protection struggling to remain wholesome.
The outcome might have lasting implications for postseason seeding – and maybe even the MVP race.
Few gamers within the NFL have silenced critics this season fairly like Baker Mayfield. The Buccaneers quarterback has rediscovered his rhythm, throwing 12 touchdowns to only one interception by way of six video games whereas guiding Tampa Bay to a 5-1 file.
However Detroit’s protection – although gifted – comes into Monday evening depleted. The Lions will probably be with out security Brian Department, who’s serving a one-game suspension, whereas a number of different key defensive backs are battling accidents or stay on injured reserve.
That might spell hassle in opposition to a quarterback in type and a passing assault keen to use mismatches downfield.
Tampa Bay, nonetheless, isn’t totally wholesome both. Rookie Emeka Egbuka and veteran Chris Godwin are each nursing knocks, although star wideout Mike Evans returned to observe this week in a restricted capability.
This primetime assembly carries main play-off weight within the NFC. A Buccaneers win would push them nearer to securing a prime seed and set up Mayfield as a authentic MVP contender.
A Lions victory, in the meantime, would snap the momentum of one of many convention’s hottest groups and preserve Detroit firmly within the hunt for the NFC North crown.
Offensively, Jared Goff will intention to reignite Detroit’s assault after a disappointing displaying in Kansas Metropolis. Previous to that loss, the Lions have been averaging over 40 factors per recreation throughout a dominant four-game win streak – and so they haven’t dropped consecutive video games since 2022. #
If Goff can set up rhythm early, particularly with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs wholesome, Detroit has the firepower to match Mayfield blow for blow.