Lions Are 6.5-Point Favorite against Buccaneers

Lions will square off with Tampa Bay for second time this season in divisional playoff round.

The Lions’ second-round playoff matchup will see Dan Campbell's team take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a second time this season. 

Tampa Bay advanced to the divisional round of the postseason by beating Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles Monday night, 32-9.

Per SI Sportsbook, the Buccaneers, less than 24 hours removed from the win, are a 6.5-point underdog entering Sunday's playoff game with Detroit.

The Lions and the Buccaneers first squared off with one another back in Week 6 at Raymond James Stadium. In that matchup between the former NFC Central rivals, Detroit never trailed for a second, and ultimately won the road contest, 20-6. 

Jared Goff completed 30-of-44 passes for 300-plus yards (353) and two touchdowns in the win. Jameson Williams scored his first touchdown of the season on a 45-yard bomb from Goff, while Amon-Ra St. Brown went for 10-plus catches (12) and north of 100 yards (124).

¡PASE DE JARED GOFF Y TD DE 45 YARDAS CON JAMESON WILLIAMS! 🦁#Lions #Buccaneers #NFL

🎥: @NFL pic.twitter.com/ocgOnpxTxu

— Primero y Diez (@Primeroydiez) October 15, 2023

Meanwhile, the Lions stymied Tampa Bay passer Baker Mayfield, and limited him to just 206 yards on 19-of-37 passing. Additionally, the former Oklahoma Sooners passer didn’t throw a single touchdown, and tossed an interception.

Detroit also won the total yards battle on the day, 380-251.

In their 12 regular season games after that, the Buccaneers went just 6-6. However, it was good enough for the Todd Bowles-led squad to capture its third straight NFC South division crown.

Kickoff for the Lions’ divisional round postseason tilt with Tampa Bay is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. at Ford Field.