Lions vs Bucs Predictions Odds: Detroit Favored in Week 2 Against Tampa Bay?

Latest Lions vs Buccaneers Odds

Despite an overtime thriller for Detroit and a career day from Baker Mayfield for Tampa Bay, the Lions remain a strong favorite across all Michigan sportsbooks.

The widget below allows you to compare the Lions vs Bucs odds for the spread, total, and moneyline across all betting sites. 👇

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Lions vs Buccaneers Prediction

This is a replay of last year's divisional game and it already feels like it could happen again this season. After Week 1, we know two things about these teams.

1. The Lions are as elite as advertised
2. The Bucs should make the playoffs again

Usually, drawing conclusions after Week 1 is ill-advised but both teams return most of their production from a season ago. On top of that, their core seems to be improving. While Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams had a career day (5 catches, 121 yards, TD), so did the Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (289 yards, 4 touchdowns).

While the Bucs got a key win in Week 1, it was against a lowly Commanders team starting a rookie quarterback with Pro Football Focus' 27th-best offensive line. Against Detroit, they face the unanimous No. 1 offensive front in the NFL.

Ultimately, the best reference for predicting this game is looking at last year's playoff matchup. The only striking difference between those teams a year ago to now is Tampa Bay's top corner, Carlton Davis, now plays for Detroit. On top of that, the Bucs will be missing several defensive backs.

You could argue that Mayfield's improvement is an advantage, but the straw breaking Tampa's back is Lions quarterback Jared Goff's success against Bucs' head coach Todd Bowles. In four games against Bowles, Goff has thrown for multiple touchdowns, including 353 and 287 yards a piece last season.

Tampa will certainly test Detroit's defense, but it won't be enough to win. However, it will be enough to cover.

Prediction: Lions win, Tampa covers

Who is Favored to Win?

The Lions are expected to win against the Bucs in Week 2 of this season. Comparing multiple betting markets across sportsbooks like DraftKings and BetMGM reveals the Lions are the unanimous favorite against the Buccaneers.

Over/Under

The Over/Under for the game is set at 48.5, this doesn't surprise us with both offenses having potential to explode at any point during the game.

Moneyline

According to DraftKings, the moneyline for the week 2 matchup is -285 for the Lions and +230 for the Bucs. Betrivers sportsbook currently has a similar moneyline with the Lions being -250.

Point Spread

The spread for the Lions Vs Bucs in week 2 is currently -6, this means the sportsbooks expect the lions to win by a touchdown. This number could change as we get closer to the matchup but we wouldn't be surprised if it stayed at -6 as well.

Lions Chances To Win vs Bucs

The Lions are 6-point favorites over the Buccaneers in Week 2 and that's not a surprise given that Detroit is at home and has one of the most talented rosters in the league. They have an implied win probability of 74%, given that they are -285 on the money line.

How The Lions Win vs Bucs

The Buccaneers don't have the pass rushers to threaten the Lions on the outside, which means Jared Goff should have plenty of time to deliver the football. And if he can be kept clean, he should have no problem dicing up the secondary of Tampa Bay. The biggest concern for Detroit is Goff's lack of mobility, which could be an issue if Vita Vea and Calijah Kance have big days at defensive tackle.

• 📈 Strength: Offensive Line, Strong Defensive Line
• 📉 Weakness: Lack of QB Mobility, Young Defensive Backs

How The Bucs Win vs Lions

The Buccaneers stayed competitive with the Lions in their postseason matchup last year and it's all because Baker Mayfield had success with the quick passing attack. And if the Buccaneers can keep him clean, he shouldn't have an issue attacking the back seven for Detroit. Tampa Bay's speed on defense could allow them to make this competitive, but they'll need to find creative ways to get to Jared Goff.

• 📈 Strength: Quick Passing Game, Front Seven Speed
• 📉 Weakness: Rushing Offense, Lack Of EDGE Rushers

How to Bet On The Game

If you're in Michigan and want to bet on the Lions vs. Bucs, you have a variety of options. You can place your bets online by downloading a sports betting betting app such as FanDuel, DraftKings, or Caesars, all of which are available in the state and offer live odds for this Week 1 matchup. You can also bet in person at various retail sportsbooks in the state.

History of Lions vs Bucs in the 2000's

Below is a list of every time the Lions and the Bucs matched up in the 2000's:

*This chart tracks back to the first game in the 2000's but the two teams have played a total of 62 games and the lions have won 33 of them.

Most Recent Matchup: NFC Divisional Round Playoffs 2023-24

The last time the two teams met was during the NFC divisional round last year, the Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23, ending the Bucs' season. Baker Mayfield led Tampa Bay with 349 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite rallying three times, the Bucs couldn't overcome the Lions' fourth-quarter surge. 

All-Time Best Lions Vs Bucs Games

The Lions and Buccaneers have played 62 times against one another including two postseason contests. The Lions currently lead the series 33-29.

Game 1: NFC Wild Card Game (12-28-1997)

The Buccaneers jumped out to a big 20-0 lead over the Lions in this NFC Wild Card matchup before the Lions made things competitive late. Scott Mitchell was just 10-25 for 78 yards before he was eventually benched for Frank Reich, who led a late comeback that fell just short.

Game 2: NFC Divisional Round (1-21-2024)

After the Lions defeated the Rams in Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Playoffs, they played the Buccaneers in Detroit in a fantastic NFC battle. It took a late interception by the Lions for to seal the game, but they won 31-23 to advance to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in decades.

Game 3: Week 15 - 2002 (12-15-2002_

The 10-3 Buccaneers were massive favorites over the 3-10 Lions heading into Week 15, but the Lions were competitive throughout the game. They were tied late in the fourth quarter before Marin Gramatica kicked the game-winning field goal. The Buccaneers would go on to win the Super Bowl during the 2002 season, but they were nearly upset in this fantastic NFC battle).

Lions Record All-Time Vs Bucs

• Games Played = 62
• Lions Wins = 33
• Bucs Wins = 29
• Ties = 0
• Playoff Matchups = 2
• First Matchup = 16-7, Lions W
• Last Matchup = 31 -23. Lions W

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Author

Brandon Justice

Commercial Editor

@BrandonJustice_

Brandon Justice is a Writer, Commercial Editor, and Fact Checker for BetMichigan.com. He also writes about the Michigan Wolverines & Detroit Lions, two teams he spent seven years covering professionally. Additionally, the Metro Detroit, Michigan native has covered numerous sports betting perspectives, including everything from analysis & daily picks to reviews & guides.