The Detroit Lions are still alive in the NFC playoff race, but have to finish the season extremely well in order to surpass one of the current wild card entrants. They are looking at a must-win situation when they hit the road for Week 14 in a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bucs have not had a good season and are among the worst teams in the NFC. The Lions would likely be a slight road favorite in a normal situation, but star quarterback Matthew Stafford is battling a hand injury which has put his availability in doubt for this one.
It’s hard to know how the spread will set up until Stafford’s status becomes more clear. The Bucs would love to play spoiler in this one and would have a much better chance is Detroit doesn’t have its star.
This matchup in Week 14 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Detroit Lions (Check Back Later)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Check Back Later)
Over/Under (Check Back Later)
Odds Analysis
The spread will come in once Stafford’s progress is more well known. If he plays, Detroit may be favored to win. If he doesn’t, it probably means the Buccaneers will be the team to beat. Much is riding on Stafford, as he is the most important player to Detroit.
If he sits, the scoring total will be lower than if Stafford plays. The Lions don’t have a veteran behind him and the team would be forced to play conservative in the contest.
Injury Report
Stafford — The Detroit quarterback was injured in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 44-20 loss to the Ravens. Jake Rudock stepped in for nine snaps, completing 3-of-5 passes for 24 yards and an interception. Stafford was not very open about how much the injury was affecting him on Monday, and it seems like his status could be questionable until game-time. Rudock would signal a big-time dropoff at the position.
Ameer Abdullah — The Lions starting running back missed last week’s game against the Ravens due to a neck injury he suffered on Thanksgiving. Tion Green did a great job of filling in, carrying the ball 11 times for 55 yards and a touchdown. He may be relied on again if Abdullah is not ready to go.
Doug Martin — The Tampa Bay running back was out last week against the Packers with a concussion. Martin is team’s leading rusher with 376 rushing yards and two touchdowns this year. He suffered the injury against Atlanta in Week 12.
Matchup To Watch
Buccaneers’ passing game against the Lions’ defense -- Tampa Bay’s best shot at winning this game will be by moving the ball consistently through the air. Quarterback Jameis Winston has missed a decent chunk of the season with a shoulder injury but he is now back in the lineup and will be a key part.
Winston has thrown for 2,190 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions on the season. He hasn’t been a bad quarterback this season, but has failed to make the leap to one of the league’s top stars, which what was hoped for him when he was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft a few years ago.
The Lions have a star cornerback in Darius Slay but are still prone to giving up big plays. Detroit has allowed 257.5 yards per game through the air on the season. If the Buccaneers can win this matchup, it will give them a shot at winning this game.
Free ATS Pick
There is just too much unknown surrounding Stafford to feel good about taking the Lions in this matchup. Even if he plays, there is a possibility of an aggravation to the injury, or ineffectiveness.
The Bucs have underachieved on the season and are not that good. However, they play at home and have a healthy quarterback. There are too many factors leaning toward Tampa Bay in this matchup to bet against them.
If Stafford plays, this one could be a shootout as both offenses like to chuck the ball around, and the defenses can be leaky. Take the Bucs to win this game, and the “over” if the scoring total comes in too low.
NFL Odds: Buccaneers 31, Lions 27
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