Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Matchup Preview (12/26/20): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

The Detroit Lions will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC matchup for week 16 of the NFL. The Detroit Lions have officially been eliminated from playoff contention this season after losing to the Tennessee Titans last week. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons last week to remain second in the NFC South and have the 6th spot in the NFC playoff picture. For odds movement and full matchup history, visit the Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Matchup Page.

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, December 26th, 2020
Time: 1:05 PM ET
Location: Ford Field – Detroit, Michigan
TV Coverage: NFL

Lions vs. Buccaneers Live Stream

Where can you watch Lions vs. Buccaneers online? You can stream this game, and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch Lions vs. Buccaneers Free Online Now.

Injuries:

Detroit Lions: Questionable: Darryl Roberts, Frank Ragnow, Mike Ford, Tyrell Crosby, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Kenny Golladay, Kareem Martin, Matthew Stafford
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carlton Davis, Antony Auclair, Greg Joseph, Khalil Davis, Ryan Griffin, Justin Watson

Detroit Lions Analysis

The Detroit Lions have officially been eliminated from the NFC playoff picture after losing to the Tennesee Titans last game. Matthew Stafford exited the game with the same rib injury that was supposed to keep him out of the game. However, knowing how tough Matthew Stafford is and how much he plays through injury, he did play for the majority of the game. The Lions will look to take on the Buccaneers next week at home.

Matthew Stafford fought hard for his team last game, where he put up a line of 252-1-0 before exiting the game for Chase Daniel. Stafford connected with Marvin Jones Jr. quite a bit to contribute to his 10-112-1 line against the Buccaneers. While the Buccaneers have a lot of big names on their defense, their passing defense has struggled some this year. They allow the fourth-highest completion percentage to their opponents and the eighth-most amount of yards per game to opponents too.

D’Andre Swift and the run game thrived against the Titans’ run defense last game to help out their team. Swift ran the ball 15 times for 67 yards and two rushing touchdowns in his first game back from injury. He contributed to the team’s 27 carries for 123 yards against the Titans last week. The Buccaneers have one of the best rushing defenses in the league, if not the best. They allow the least amount of rushing yards per game and the lowest yardage per attempt value at 3.4 yards.

The Lions’ defense certainly struggled without two of their starting defensive backs (Desmond Trufant and Jeff Okudah). They allowed 46 points to the Titans last week and 5 touchdowns to Ryan Tannehill in the game. The Lions allow 31.1 points per game to their opponents on average, which is the most per game by a team this season. They struggle to contain both the passing and rushing game and rank below average in most categories between those. With the chance that Ronald Jones does return from the COVID reserve list next week, the run and pass game will be full strength.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

QB: Matthew Stafford
RB1: Kerryon Johnson
RB2: D’Andre Swift
WR1: Marvin Jones
WR2: Kenny Golladay
WR3: Danny Amendola
TE: T.J. Hockenson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Analysis

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers overcame a 17 point deficit to the Atlanta Falcons to win the game 31-27. Just like in the 2017 Super Bowl, Tom Brady overcame a deficit to Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons to defeat them. The Buccaneers are now just one win back on the New Orleans Saints for the division lead and still hold a pretty secure playoff spot. They will look to extend their odds of the playoffs and possibly the division lead next week.

The wide receiver core for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers led this offense without the presence of Ronald Jones. Mike Evans led the group in receiving yards with 110 yards off of six catches for them. Antonio Brown put up 93 yards from five catches and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Chris Godwin had four catches for 36 yards and one touchdown in the game. The bunch should have another solid game next weekend without Jeff Okudah nor Desmond Trufant in the lineup.

Ronald Jones was placed on the COVID reserve list for this game and was unable to play against the Falcons. However, after having been a healthy scratch for three weeks before this game, Leonard Fournette was named the starter. He put up 49 yards from 14 attempts and two goal-line touchdowns to help the team. Even if Ronald Jones is unable to return, the Lions struggle with rushing defense. They allow the fourth-most rushing yards per game and the most rushing touchdowns on the season per game too.

The Buccaneers’ defense could be a little diminished next game without their best defensive back, Carlton Davis. The Buccaneers already allow the fourth-highest completion percentage, the eighth-most passing yards per game, and the tenth most passing touchdowns per game. Now without him, they will need to watch for Marvin Jones Jr. in this one. Luckily, however, the Lions have allowed the seventh-most sacks per game this season, and the Buccaneers have created the fourth-most sacks on the year. The Buccaneers’ defense should be able to handle the Lions, especially if Stafford cannot play.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart

QB: Tom Brady
RB1: Ronald Jones
RB2: Ke’Shawn Vaughn
WR1: Mike Evans
WR2: Chris Godwin
WR3: Justin Watson
TE: Rob Gronkowski

Betting Corner Buccaneers -7.5

Spread: +/- 7.5
Moneyline: Lions +330, Buccaneers -410
Over/Under: 53.5

Prediction

Spread: Bucs -7.5
Moneyline: Bucs -410
Over/Under: u53.5

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could really use as many wins as they can pull before the playoffs to secure their spot while also trying to move higher in the seedings. If they could pull out a divisional win, it will give them an easier matchup in the playoffs. I expect the Buccaneers to win and cover their spread, especially if Matthew Stafford cannot play.

While both of these teams have positive over/under records, combining for a 17-11 record skewing towards the over, I could see this game reaching the under. If Matthew Stafford does not play, I cannot foresee the Lions producing much on offense. Also, the Buccaneers will take the game easy if the Lions are depleted too. I would take the under depending on Stafford’s status.

Love/Hate Fantasy Picks

Love

Leonard Fournette played a really great game last week against the Atlanta Falcons, who allow the fifth least amount of points to running backs. His points mainly relied on his two goal-line touchdowns, but he still put up 21.5 fantasy points with them. The Lions allow the most fantasy points to running backs this season and if Ronald Jones does not play I would start Leonard Fournette.

Hate

D’Andre Swift had a great outing last week from 67 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, with an additional five fantasy points from the passing game. However, Swift will be taking on the league’s best rushing defense that allows the least amount of rushing yards and yards per attempt to running backs and the fourth least amount of fantasy points to running backs. I would not start Swift unless you have to next week.