Lions' Brian Branch suspension gives ailing Buccaneers massive Week 7 break

Per ESPN, Branch will appeal the ruling. But without a Hail Mary, the third-year pro will likely miss a pivotal NFC game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by whom some, including ESPN NFL analyst Rex Ryan, have labeled the season's MVP, quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Brian Branch's suspension a blessing for ailing Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense

Even with the NFC's best record, the Buccaneers (5-1) are dealing with a slew of injuries on offense. Veteran wide receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) missed Sunday's win against the 49ers, while rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka played 28 snaps before suffering a hamstring injury, raising concern about his Week 7 status.

On Monday, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles revealed that Godwin, along with standout second-year running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), will likely miss "Monday Night Football" against the Lions, while Evans has a pathway to playing. With Tampa not 100 percent on offense, its chances of moving to 6-1 against one of the conference's best will greatly improve with Branch suspended.

Per NFL Pro data, Branch, a 2023 second-round pick coming off his first Pro Bowl nod, ranks No. 13 among 185 qualified defensive backs in hawk rate, defined as the percentage of pass targets a defender records a pass breakup or interception, at 31.3 percent.

He's first on the Lions in passes defended (five) and second in solo tackles (23), establishing himself as one of Detroit's most important defenders. With Tampa Bay down so many integral members of its offense, the Lions could have had a clear advantage in the secondary. But Branch's suspension levels the playing field.