By Moses Joshua 
After a dominant Sunday from NFC rivals, Detroit faces even higher stakes under the Ford Field lights against a surging Buccaneers team.
No Favors from the Rest of the NFC
The Detroit Lions enter Monday Night Football with more on the line than just a win. After watching the rest of the NFC contenders stack victories on Sunday, the pressure is mounting for Detroit to deliver on its home turf against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Los Angeles Rams opened the day with a statement 35-7 rout over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, improving to 5-2. The Philadelphia Eagles matched that mark with a commanding performance of their own, while the San Francisco 49ers capped off the weekend by beating the Atlanta Falcons to move to 5-2 as well.
Closer to home, the NFC North is just as crowded. The Chicago Bears stretched their win streak to four, climbing to 4-2, and the Green Bay Packers edged out a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, pushing their record to 4-1-1.
In short, everyone around the Lions handled business — and Detroit didn’t get an inch of help from the rest of the conference. With all four teams in the NFC North sitting at .500 or better, every game from here on out matters.
The Stakes Rise for Detroit
For head coach Dan Campbell’s squad, Monday night’s game against the Buccaneers now feels like a must-win. The Lions are sitting at 4-2, but a loss would not only halt their momentum — it would push them further down a crowded NFC playoff picture.
Complicating matters, Detroit enters this matchup short-handed. The Lions’ secondary has been gutted by injuries and suspensions. Safeties Kerby Joseph (knee) and Brian Branch (suspension) are both out, while cornerbacks Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and Avonte Maddox (hamstring) have also been ruled unavailable. Veteran D.J. Reed remains on injured reserve with a hamstring issue, further thinning the defensive depth chart.
That’s a tall order for a defense preparing to face one of the NFL’s most potent attacks. Tampa Bay ranks 11th in total offense (353.5 yards per game) and sixth in scoring (27.5 points per game). To make matters worse, star wideout Mike Evans is expected to return, and receiver Emeka Egbuka could suit up despite a recent hamstring strain.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, meanwhile, has been electric, already leading four game-winning drives this season and quietly inserting himself into early MVP conversations.
Detroit’s Opportunity Under the Lights
Despite the mounting pressure, the Lions aren’t shying away from the challenge. Detroit has already proven it can win ugly, overcome adversity, and play its best football when the lights shine brightest.
Dan Campbell’s message to his team has been clear all year: embrace the moment. Monday night presents another chance to do just that — not just to keep pace in the NFC, but to remind the league that Detroit belongs among the elite.
With Ford Field set to roar and the stakes at their highest, the Lions have the opportunity to turn Week 7’s frustration into fuel. A win wouldn’t just steady the standings — it would send a message that even when the league gives them no help, Detroit doesn’t need it.