Lions vs Buccaneers, Prediction & Best Bets: Prepare for Points in Tampa Bay
Written by: Nate Hornung
Last Update: Sun Oct 15, 2023, 10:23 am ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
nfl
The 3-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the 4-1 Detroit Lions as both Division Leaders face off on Sunday.
The Buccaneers had an extra week to prepare, as they are coming off of their bye, but the Lions are a force to be reckoned with.
The Lions lead the NFC North by 2 games over the Packers, and show no signs of slowing down. They have a +41 point differential through 5 games, and have won 3 straight since Week 2.
Tampa Bay is one of three teams in the NFC South with 3 wins, although they do have one less loss because of their bye. This game at home is crucial for them to stay on top of the division.
Let's take a look deeper into this game!
Lions vs Buccaneers Game Information
Matchup Information
- Venue & Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
- Date: Sunday, October 15th, 2023
- Kick Off: 4:25pm Eastern
- Broadcast: FOX
Betting Odds
Spread
- Lions -3 (-110)
- Buccaneers +3 (-110)
Moneyline
- Lions -160
- Buccaneers +135
Total
- Over 43.5 (-110)
- Under 43.5 (-110)
Free NFL Picks: Lions vs Buccaneers
As three point underdogs at home, the Buccaneers are playing with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. Not to knock the Lions, but Tampa Bay has blown away expectations already and I bet they feel like they should be favored, and personally I'd have to agree with them.
While the Lions are 4-1, they beat a Chiefs team without Travis Kelce and Chris Jones, lost to a bad Seahawks team, and then beat the Falcons, Packers, and Panthers. Not the most dangerous opponents there.
The Buccaneers upset the Vikings on the road on Week 1, handled business against the Bears and on the road against the Saints, but lost to the Eagles 25-11, making it somewhat competitive.
The point is, the Bucs are more battle tested so far this season in my eyes, plus they have an extra week to prepare.
As far as a side goes, I will not be taking one here, but I heavily lean with the Buccaneers to cover and possibly win outright. This would be a week I would avoid the Lions, especially looking ahead to Baltimore next week.
But We Do Like the Total!
DET/TB Over 43.5 (-110) Bovada
I think both offenses come out firing this weekend, and I don't think the defenses can stop them.
Detroit has scored 20+ points in all 5 games this year, and they've scored 31+ in 3 of those 5 games. The past two weeks, they've outscored opponents 76-44, soaring over the total in both contests.
While Tampa Bay's defense is only allowing 17 points per game, I like Goff and the Lions to figure out how to score. Baker Mayfield is plenty capable of beating this Detroit defense as well with the weapons he has around him.
Detroit allows 21.4 points per game, and while the Buccaneers only score 17 per game, they've scored 20+ in all of their wins.
I think we see some fireworks on Sunday in Tampa Bay, with both teams seeing 21+ points.
Interested in More Content?
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @Shaggy_Bets for all of my picks and sports opinions!
Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!
Tune in to one of our several weekly streams! You won't regret it!
And go get some MERCH at our Betting News Store!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!
Still Here?
Check out everything we have to offer at Betting News!
We really are All About the Game!
Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.
More NFL News
