We’ve got a “big boy” battle in the NFC on Monday Night Football in Week 7.
The Detroit Lions welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Ford Field, with the Bucs trying to pull away from the pack atop the conference standings.
My early Buccaneers vs. Lions predictions and NFL picks expect Detroit to bring Tampa Bay back to earth on October 20.
Buccaneers vs Lions predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early MNF spread pick: Detroit -4.5
This spread opened Detroit Lions -5.5, but after getting blown away in Kansas City on Sunday night, the bottom is falling out for Detroit.
The Lions couldn’t overcome an injury-plagued secondary vs. the Chiefs, giving up three touchdown passes to Patrick Mahomes. Next up is MVP hopeful Baker Mayfield, who’s been slinging it so far in 2025.
Mayfield is hoping for positive news from his banged-up receiving corps. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were already without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Week 6’s win over San Francisco, then lost standout rookie WR Emeka Egbuka to a hamstring injury Sunday.
Egbuka is expected to miss time, which puts pressure on Godwin and Evans to get back on the field. On top of those injuries in the passing game, running back Bucky Irving is out with multiple injuries. That leaves the Bucs very thin at the skill positions.
The Lions face a softer defense from Tampa and get to come home to the fast track of Ford Field. The Bucs have been burned through the air, and Detroit could very well turn this game into a track meet.
I’ll lay the shrinking spread with the home side on MNF.
Early MNF total pick: Over 52.5
As mentioned, the Lions have big gaps in the secondary, and their best approach could be to turn this game into a shootout.
The Bucs could be missing several superstars on offense and won’t be able to overcome their own shortcomings on the defensive side.
Tampa Bay is great vs. the run but ranks 27th in opponent success rate per dropback and 25th in pass defense DVOA at FTN — giving up 20 passing plays of 20+ yards this season.
Mayfield is working magic under center for the Buccaneers, and just getting one of those three-star receivers back could be enough to pick apart this depleted Detroit defense.
We’ve seen the market tick this total up to 53.5 points at some books, and I’m on board with a fun one in Motown on Monday night.
Buccaneers vs Lions odds
- Buccaneers vs. Lions spread: Lions -4.5
- Buccaneers vs. Lions moneyline: Buccaneers +198, Lions -240
- Buccaneers vs. Lions Over/Under: 52.5
How to watch Buccaneers vs Lions
- Buccaneers vs. Lions matchup
- Date: Monday, October 20, 2025, 7:00 p.m. ET
- City: Detroit, MI
- Venue: Ford Field
- TV: ESPN/ABC
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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