The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to travel north this weekend to play the Detroit Lions. This is both a playoff rematch from last year as well as a likely playoff preview this year. It is one of the most interesting games on the schedule this week.
Without a doubt, this will be a challenge for the Bucs. The Lions are one of the best teams in the NFL if not the very best, so there will be plenty of storylines to watch. With that, here are my Buccaneers Hot Take Predictions vs The Detroit Lions.
Wake Up Feeling Angry
I really like the Lions cornerbacks. Terrion Arnold was one of my highest rated defensive players in the draft and of course we all know how good Carlton Davis is. However, both of these guys lack speed.
This is where Trey Palmer can change the face of this game. His blazing speed can’t be matched by anyone in the Lions secondary and with so many other weapons he’s going to get some one on one looks.
He can also do damage over the middle against a linebacker in Jack Campbell who leaves a lot to be desired in coverage. Really, there is no bad time to get the ball in Palmer’s hands in this game. That’s why I am predicting Trey Palmer finds the endzone.
Buccaneers Blown Out?!?!?
We should all be feeling confident in this Buccaneers team. They dominated Washington last week and looked every bit the team I thought they were when I called them a top three team in the NFC. The Buccaneers are a very good team who can win the Super Bowl this year.
But that is a long-term view of this Bucs team. Here and now they are missing their two most important defensive players and have an offensive line that needs time round into form. Those are serious issues as they prepare to play maybe the best team in the NFL.
I know we’re all excited about the new offense in Tampa and for good reason. This has led many to predict that this game will be a close shootout. With the Bucs current injuries, I just don’t see it that way. I hate to say it, but I anticipate this being a two touchdown win for the Lions.
This Is Only Round One
Regardless of the outcome of this game, you can pretty much throw it in the trash. Even if the Buccaneers win this game, I put no stock into it in terms of sustainable success. These two teams will very likely meet again and the Bucs will be in a completely different position.
It’s that potential playoff game that matters for the Bucs. When they have a healthy Lavonte David and Calijah Kancey. When the offensive line has had more time together and have become a more cohesive unit. That’s the version of the Bucs that can go into Detroit and beat the Lions.
I don’t think it’s crazy to say that these are the best two teams in the NFC. I do think they will see each other again this year and that it will be on the biggest stage. In my boldest take of the week I am predicting that these two teams will face off again this year in the NFC Championship game and the results will look very different than what I expect them to this week.
