The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) will travel to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions (4-2) on Monday Night Football in Week 7. Both teams have potent offenses and playoff aspirations, making this matchup a high-stakes affair. Before the action begins in the first of two Monday Night Football games scheduled for this week, continue reading to get my Buccaneers vs Lions prediction.
Our Buccaneers vs Lions Pick
- Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +5.5
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions
- Date & Time: Monday, October 20, 2025, 7:00 PM EDT
- Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
- Broadcast: ABC
Buccaneers vs Lions Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Lions -5.5 | Lions -250 / Buccaneers +210 | 52.5 |
Key Storylines
- Huge NFC Implications: Both of these teams are near the top of the NFC standings early in the season. The Bucs are 5-1 and have won two games in a row. Detroit is 4-2 and just had a four-game winning streak snapped. These teams are both likely to factor into the NFC playoffs and the winner of this game could help their chances of landing home-field advantage.
- Absences Impacting Both Teams: The Buccaneers are dealing with significant injuries. Key offensive players like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. are injured, as well as defensive contributors. The Lions are also facing roster challenges, with safety Brian Branch suspended for instigating a postgame altercation after Detroit’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6.
- Quarterback Performances: Baker Mayfield has been a revelation for the Buccaneers, leading the team with 12 touchdowns and only one interception. Jared Goff of the Lions has also been effective, with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. This quarterback matchup could be remembered when the NFL MVP race is decided later in the year.
Quarterback Play
Baker Mayfield has been instrumental in the Buccaneers’ success, especially in late-game situations. He has led several late-game drives to set up winning scores for his team. Despite missing top receivers, he has managed to lead the Bucs effectively on offense. Mayfield’s connection with rookie Emeka Egbuka has helped to offset the absence of some key offensive players for Tampa.
Jared Goff has been consistent for the Lions and he has done a great job of avoiding turnovers in recent weeks. Goff does a very nice job of not locking onto one target within the Lions’ offense, spreading the ball around to keep defenses off-balance.
Betting Trends
- Both teams are 4-2 against the spread this season. That is tied for the best record in the NFL against the spread going into Week 7.
- The Buccaneers have gone over the total in four of their first six games.
- Detroit is 3-3 on over/unders for the season going into this matchup.
Buccaneers vs Lions Model Projection
Score Projection: Buccaneers 27 – Lions 24
Win Probability: Buccaneers 55%, Lions 45%
Final Thoughts
I think that the Bucs have a real shot at winning outright as an underdog on Monday night. The Bucs are moving the ball effectively on offense and their defense ranks fifth in the league in rushing yards per game allowed. They should make the Lions into a more one-dimensional team than they’re used to being on offense. I’ll take the points with the Bucs in what I think will be a field goal game in either direction.
