Best Bet: Lions Will Trust Kicker Riley Patterson

Could Riley Patterson be the difference for the Lions this week?

The Detroit Lions may have to rely on kicker Riley Patterson this week. 

In a tough road contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, points may be at a premium. Todd Bowles' defense is stingy, especially against the pass. 

Dan Campbell has been slightly less aggressive on fourth-down the past couple of weeks, taking points when necessary, given the opponents have featured inexperienced quarterbacks. 

Against Baker Mayfield, it will be intriguing to observe just how often Detroit chooses to go for it on fourth-down and just how often Patterson is called upon. 

Play Michigan lead writer Drew Ellis believes both kickers will have opportunities to score points in Week 6. 

"I expect this game to be a defensive battle. Tampa’s defense is the best Detroit has seen this season. It’s red zone defense is giving up a TD in just 27% of visits. That’s second-best in the NFL. I think points will be at a premium in this one. While Dan Campbell likes to gamble, he needs to be smart and take three points when it's there. Similarly, Tampa’s offense doesn’t put a lot of fear in me," says Ellis. "The Bucs can’t run and face a stout run defense. 

"Baker Mayfield is playing well, but should face a lot of pressure from the Detroit front. I think the Bucs are going to struggle to put together touchdown drives. The kickers are going to play a key role in who wins this game, so I like at least four field goals to hit in this game. That is why my best bet is for their to be over 3.5 field goals made at Raymond James Stadium (-105)."