Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL divisional game
The Detroit Lions (13-5) won their first playoff game in 32 years when they beat the Los Angeles Rams in the wild card round.
They seek to keep the good juju going in the divisional round by hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-8) on Sunday at Ford Field. Baker Mayfield and company advanced by beating the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The Lions won the Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers 20-6 at Raymond James Stadium. Jared Goff threw for a season-high 353 yards and tossed two touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 12 catches for 124 yards and one of the scores. Mayfield was held to 206 yards and he threw an interception to Detroit cornerback Will Harris.
Will the Lions be able to keep their magical season alive? Or will the Buccaneers make the carriage turn back into a pumpkin?
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Lions vs. Buccaneers odds, moneyline, over/under
The Lions are favorites to defeat the Buccaneers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Lions (-6)
Moneyline: Lions (-275); Buccaneers (+220)
Over/under: 49.5
Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with the full slate of playoff action. You can also look ahead to the big game with the best Super Bowl betting promos.
If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
32 things we learned from wild card: More coaching drama to come?
NFL divisional round odds, predictions and picks
AFC: Ravens vs. Texans | Bills vs. Chiefs
NFC: 49ers vs. Packers | Lions vs. Buccaneers
Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 26, Buccaneers 14
Detroit battled it out in a gritty performance in the wild card and now faces a Buccaneers team that has thrived on the road; Tampa Bay went 8-1 against the spread in road games this season. The problem with the Bucs is that they can be rather inconsistent from one week to the next. And while Todd Bowles’ plan against the Eagles worked wonders, the Lions have had far more success throwing the ball down the field, where Tampa was a little weak this season.
Tyler Dragon: Lions 26, Buccaneers 21
Detroit was electric last week in its first home playoff game in 30 years. The Lions ended their playoff win drought. Now the Lions can play loose and focus on everything between the white lines. The Lions defeated the Bucs 20-6 in Week 6. That game wasn’t a fluke. Detroit is simply a better football team than Tampa Bay. Expect the Lions’ physicality to overwhelm the Bucs. Plus, the Detroit crowd will be rockin’ again.
Safid Deen: Lions 30, Buccaneers 20
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers got a playoff win after Tom Brady, and that’s an accomplishment. But they faced an Eagles team ready to go on vacation. They’re going to run into a buzz saw in Detroit, where Dan Campbell and the Lions feel like a team of destiny this NFL postseason.
Victoria Hernandez: Lions 26, Buccaneers 17
There's not a team in the NFL feeling better than the Lions right now. Was their wild-card matchup closer than they would have liked? Yes. But they got the win. They will have fewer distractions this week with the "Matthew Stafford homecoming" out of the way. Baker Mayfield has proven his leadership, but beating the Eagles isn't the flex we thought it was. Detroit handily beat Tampa Bay in the regular season and they will do so again.
Jordan Mendoza: Lions 23, Buccaneers 20
This might be the best under-the-radar matchup of the weekend given Detroit’s explosive offense going against a stout Tampa Bay defense. Even though Detroit scored a double-digit win earlier in the season against this team, the Buccaneers will cause the Lions some fits that prevent the offense from breaking out. However, Detroit’s defense steps up to keep the team ahead and continue the magical run into the NFC championship game.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
NFL playoff schedule: Divisional-round dates, times, TV info
NFL salaries: These are the highest paid NFL players
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions: Playoff predictions, picks and odds
