Buccaneers vs Lions Prediction, Pick & Updated Odds for MNF

By Chris Amberley in NFL News
Published:

- The Lions are six-point favorites over the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football
- Detroit’s Brian Branch (suspension) and Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin (fibula) and Bucky Irving (foot) are out
- See the complete Buccaneers vs Lions odds below, plus my prediction and pick for Monday Night Football
If you like offense, you won’t want to miss the Buccaneers (5-1, 3-0 away) vs Lions (4-2, 2-0 home) on Monday Night Football. These two teams rank sixth and second, respectively, in scoring, and oddsmakers are expecting plenty of points based on the latest MNF odds. I couldn’t agree more, and will be targeting the over in my Buccaneers vs Lions pick.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET from Ford Field in Detroit, MI, with ABC providing the broadcast coverage.
Buccaneers vs Lions Odds
Before making any Monday Night Football wager, be sure to consult the best football betting apps. Bet365 is currently offering a 52.5 point total, while most other books have already moved to 53.5.
Detroit is favored by six points and is priced at -265 on the moneyline, with Tampa Bay coming back as a +215 underdog.
According to the NFL public betting percentages, sharp money is on the over. That side of the total is drawing only 39% of the wagers, but 54% of the handle. That means those bet biggest, typically professionals, expect a shootout as well.

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Odds as of Oct. 19 at Bet365. New customers can claim the Bet365 promo code and get a bonus to bet on MNF.
Buccaneers vs Lions Injury Report
One of the reasons the total is rising is because the Tampa Bay injury situation might not be as dire as originally thought. Yes, Chris Godwin (fibula) and Bucky Irving (foot) are out, but Mike Evans (hamstring) is returning from his three-game hiatus, and Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) has a real chance to play.
Egbuka, an NFL OROY odds contender, was originally considered doubtful for this game, but his recovery is going much better than expected.
As for Detroit, the biggest news is the suspension to Brian Branch. The star safety will miss this contest as a result of his post-game fight last week with the Chiefs. The Lions are already without their other starting safety Kerby Joseph (knee) and number one corner Terrion Arnold (shoulder), leaving their secondary ripe for the picking.
Buccaneers vs Lions Prediction
If there’s one quarterback you don’t want to face shorthanded these days it’s Baker Mayfield. The former number one pick has evolved into a legit NFL MVP odds threat, ranking top-6 in the NFL in passing yards, touchdowns, passer rating and QBR.
Mayfield has already engineered three game-winning drives in the final minute this season, and is no stranger to success in Detroit. He led them to an upset victory at Ford Field last year as an even bigger underdog.
Tampa Bay has a favorable matchup through the air, but they have an even bigger advantage on the ground. The Lions defense ranks 32nd in run stop rate, and Rachaad White was scored three TD in two games filling in for Irving.
On the other side of the ball, Detroit’s offense is the primary reason they’re one of the Super Bowl 60 odds favorites. The Lions lead the NFL in expected points added per pass, and rank second in offensive success rate. No one has thrown more TD passes than Goff, while he ranks second in QB rating.
Jared Goff Passing Stats
I’m predicting plenty of success and explosive plays for the Detroit attack tonight, as the Bucs don’t have the defensive talent to keep them in check. Tampa Bay is below league average in EPA per play allowed, and 21st in opponent success rate.
Buccaneers vs Lions Picks
The Lions’ offense on a neutral field is among the best in the league. At home on the fast track, they are an absolute unit. Detroit is averaging 43 points per game at Ford Field this season, after putting up 35.3 points in their own stadium last year.
As a result, home overs are always in play when the Lions suit up at Ford Field. The over has cashed in 20 of Detroit’s last 31 home games since 2022, beating the total by an average of 6.9 points.
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Sports Writer
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.