Predictions: Lions-Buccaneers
The Detroit Lions are continuing to prove they are legitimate title contenders week in and week out. Next up are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which will offer a tough test in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
The Lions have been successful defensively in limiting opposing run games, but the Buccaneers have been solid on the ground. If Aaron Glenn's defense can win the line of scrimmage consistently, it will limit the effectiveness of Tampa Bay's play-action pass game.
The same can be said about Detroit's offense, which plays a similar style. Whoever can win up front will win the game. The Lions will be without Jonah Jackson, but Graham Glasgow and Halapoulivaati Vaitai give them reliable depth.
Baker Mayfield has been proven to be mistake prone, which is advantageous for Glenn's opportunistic defense. Detroit can outlast the Buccaneers, thanks to its run game. Give me the Lions in a close one.
Lions 27, Buccaneers 20
Like a variety of fans and pundits, I believe the Lions are the superior team in this Week 6 matchup.
Yet, it doesn't mean that Dan Campbell's squad won't be tested on Sunday.
For starters, the Buccaneers are equipped with a top-10 defense that has allowed just 17.0 points a game through four games (the eighth-best mark in the NFL). On this side of the ball, Tampa Bay possesses a myriad of playmakers, including safety Antoine Winfield Jr., defensive lineman Vita Vea and EDGE Shaquil Barrett. Each of the aforementioned players has amassed at least one sack and multiple quarterback hits, and has recorded a Pro Football Focus grade of at least 73.6.
So, I wouldn't be surprised if Lions quarterback Jared Goff faces a good amount of pressure from Todd Bowles' defense. I don't think it'll matter much with how good Goff has been playing, though.
Aided by the return of Amon-Ra St. Brown, I believe that Goff will outplay Baker Mayfield, and lead the Lions to a hard-earned victory in Tampa Bay.
Lions 24, Buccaneers 21
Make no mistake about it, the Lions are rolling right now. They hope to carry that success into this weekend's road matchup against Tampa Bay.
First, the Lions hope to get Amon-ra St. Brown back from injury, which will certainly provide a major boost for the offense.
On the defensive side of the football, the Lions have dealt with their fair share of injuries over the last couple weeks, but I'm optimistic they will still execute at a high level.
Tampa Bay has performed surprisingly well in the early weeks, led by a couple of solid performances from journeyman quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Ultimately, I think this one will come down to whether or not the Bucs' powerhouse defense can contain the Lions' stellar offense.
However, I think the Lions eventually prevail and win a tough road game, improving to 5-1 on the year.
Lions 27, Buccaneers 24
This will be Detroit's toughest test since Week 2, when the Seattle Seahawks visited Ford Field.
Detroit's offense will be facing one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL.
David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta must deliver again for Ben Johnson's offense to secure a victory on the road.
While Baker Mayfield has more offensive weapons, Detroit's rush defense and pass-rush will keep the game close.
Tampa's pass defense is among the best in the league, so controlling the game on the ground is the order of business in Week 6.
Detroit has learned how to win hotly-contested matchups and Sunday will be no different.
Lions 27, Buccaneers 23
