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The Detroit Lions return to Ford Field for a primetime clash that’s got everyone — fans, analysts, and even beat writers — a little split down the middle. It’s not just another Monday night game. This one feels like a statement test.
Detroit’s been solid at home, the Bucs have been blazing hot, and both are dealing with enough injuries to make their trainers MVP candidates. So who’s got the edge? Let’s dive into what the MLive crew — and the national outlets — are saying.
The Case for the Lions: Home Turf, High Stakes
The Lions haven’t dropped back-to-back games since October 2022. That’s not just a stat — it’s a point of pride under Dan Campbell’s leadership.
Ben Raven and several national outlets see that streak holding. With Alim McNeill’s return to the defensive line and Jared Goff’s laser focus at home (where he’s leading the NFL in completion rate and passer rating against the blitz), there’s belief Detroit can punch back hard.
Raven predicts a 23–21 Lions win, expecting another “battle to the end.” And he’s not alone — outlets like CBS Sports, NFL.com, and Bleacher Report also favor Detroit, citing their resilience and offensive rhythm at home.
The Case for the Buccaneers: Baker’s Fire Still Burning
On the flip side, Kory Woods isn’t convinced. He’s rolling with the Bucs, predicting a 30–21 Tampa Bay victory. His reasoning? Baker Mayfield’s swagger and poise, even without a full arsenal of receivers.
Mayfield’s been in full “prove-everyone-wrong” mode all season, and Woods believes Detroit’s battered secondary — missing top corners Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and safety Brian Branch — might be too thin to contain him.
Add in an offense that’s still “ironing out wrinkles,” and Woods sees this as a potential trap game for Detroit before their bye week.
National Split: Tight Margins, Big Stakes
The national picture isn’t far off from MLive’s internal debate. ESPN, USA Today, The Sporting News, and NBC Sports lean Lions, while others call it a near toss-up.
One CBS analyst summed it up best:
“This is a big game in terms of NFC dominance… both teams are fighting through injuries, but I see the Lions winning a close one.”
It’s not often you see this much respect on both sides — a sign that this could be more than just a Week 7 matchup.
Bottom Line: Two NFC Beasts, One Statement Game
At 4–2, the Lions want to prove they belong in the NFC’s top tier. At 5–1, the Buccaneers want to prove they’re not a fluke. It’s strength versus momentum, Ford Field versus fire, and Goff versus Mayfield in a duel that could echo into January.
So, who’s got your vote — Detroit’s bounce-back kings or Baker’s believers?