Buccaneers Set to Take On Detroit Lions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) return to action after their bye week to take on the Detroit Lions (4-1) Sunday.

The Lions are riding a three-game win streak and are coming off of a 42-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. Both teams have had strong starts to the season, leading their respective NFC divisions.

Tampa Top Defense

Tampa’s Top 10 defense is expected to play a pivotal role in their matchup against the Lions.

A-Train but make it Creamsicle 🚂🔥

🔜 #DETvsTB 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday on FOX pic.twitter.com/znCiShxOxM

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 12, 2023

The Buccaneers have been strong, allowing only 17.0 points a game so far, ranking eighth-best in the NFL. Tampa Bay’s defense has a formidable lineup, including safety Antoine Winfield Jr., defensive lineman Vita Vea and edge rusher Shaquil Barrett. Moreover, these playmakers have recorded at least one sack each and have made strong hits on opposing quarterbacks.

Detroit’s Shining Offense

Detroit’s offense has been one of the best in the league this season.

Dominating the trenches 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/1Ht6MM3aUF

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 12, 2023

Lions quarterback Jared Goff is averaging 253.0 yards per game and 8.0 yards per attempt, completing 69.8% of his passes. Meanwhile, running back David Montgomery is a consistent producer, averaging 92.8 yards per game on the ground and 4.2 yards per attempt. Additionally, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has been a valuable playmaker, averaging 5.0 receptions and 57.8 yards per game.

Injuries Shape the Dynamics

As of Thursday, the Lions have multiple key players listed as ‘Did Not Participate’ (DNPs) due to injuries, including safety Brian Branch (ankle), running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring), guard Jonah Jackson (ankle) and LaPorta (calf). The Lions’ depth will be severely tested if all or some of these players are unavailable for Sunday’s game.

Here’s today’s injury report for Bucs and Lions. Yes, even the injury report color is throwback this week … pic.twitter.com/XFVg6btmBW

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 12, 2023

For the Buccaneers, wide receiver Mike Evans is questionable for Sunday’s game. Despite his hamstring injury, he participated in practice Thursday but was limited.

Sunday Showdown

The Lions will be aiming to win their fourth straight game and improve their record to 5-1.

Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.