NFL divisional round: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions betting picks, preview
The Detroit Lions just hosted and won their first playoff game in 30+ years, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won as home underdogs in the wild-card round in their first season without Tom Brady. This NFC showdown is ripe with betting opportunities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions: Betting Odds
Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, 3 p.m. ET (NBC)
Spread: Detroit -6.5, Over/under: 49.5 points, Tampa Bay +220 | Detroit -270
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-8) easily dispatched the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round, winning 32-9. The offense broke off a handful of big plays, and the defense was able to get Jalen Hurts uncomfortable from the get-go.
Baker Mayfield has been a solid passer this year for Tampa, buoyed by a pair of strong WRs in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The run game has been a tad inefficient, but that might be OK in this one considering the best way to attack Detroit is through the air.
The Lions (13-5) held on for a close win over the Los Angeles Rams, 24-23, in a game many thought would be going to the Rams. Detroit should be rocking once again this weekend, as Lions fans haven't felt this good about their team since, maybe, ever?
The Detroit offense is imaginative and explosive, and while the secondary has some problems, the offense has made up for it when it needs to.
This game offers some intrigue in the spread department, as these two teams are tied for the best record in the NFL ATS at 12-6. Something has to give. The Lions are 11-7 to the over this season, while Tampa Bay is 12-6 to the under.
Betting Picks for Tampa Bay vs. Detroit
Over 49.5 points
This game figures to be a ton of fun. Jared Goff and this deep Detroit offense has been one of the most electrifying units in football this season. Then, Baker Mayfield has a great group of WRs as we mentioned that have helped the Bucs move the ball through the air all season.
The foundation for betting on the over is the quality of these two secondaries. Both rank among the league's best targets for 20+ yard passes allowed, passing yards allowed per game, yards allowed per pass attempt and receptions to WRs.
That's quite the recipe for a shootout, in our humble opinion. We're expecting a big game from both Mike Evans and Amon-Ra St. Brown and the two passers here, so this should be a game you might want to invest in some player props.
Both teams scored 24+ last round and should be positioned to do so again, which will get us where we need to be with this total set at 49.5.
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