Despite missing several key receiving options, Baker Mayfield played a strong game in Week 6 and led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Conversely, the Detroit Lions suffered a double-digit loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Back home, the Lions offense — which scored just 17 points in Week 6 — should be fired up.
That’s why I’m targeting a pair of Lions to find success against Tampa Bay, as well as a Buccaneers tight end who should continue to soak up targets with multiple teammates sidelined.
Check out the rest of my favorite bets with my Buccaneers vs. Lions predictions and NFL picks for October 20.
Want to make sure Covers shows up often in your Google search results and Discover feed?
Simply click here and add Covers as one of your "source preferences".
Buccaneers vs Lions prediction
Buccaneers vs Lions Best bet: Baker Mayfield Over 241.5 passing yards (-110)
Let’s start with the key questions. As of Friday, Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin are doubtful for the Bucs, while Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka are questionable with unclear workloads. Still, this is a 52.5-total indoor game, and Baker Mayfield has been building an MVP case no matter who lines up at receiver.
On the Detroit side, the secondary is a mess. SS Brian Branch is suspended, LCB Terrion Arnold is out, and FS Kerby Joseph is questionable—adding to six other DBs either on IR or already ruled out. That’s a brutal setup for a team facing a high-volume passing attack.
According to THE BLITZ, the Lions are more than a touchdown favorite Monday night, which points to a likely negative game script for Tampa—something the market hasn’t fully accounted for. Even last week, without Evans and limited time from Egbuka, Mayfield still threw for 256 yards on just 23 attempts—and was passing late in the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead.
Kameron Johnson and Tez Johnson both caught touchdowns, and with Irving likely out again, the Bucs’ run game remains a non-factor. Over the last four games, the only QB not to throw for 250+ yards against Detroit is Joe Flacco. And last season, no defense gave up more passing yards per game than the Lions (244.5).
The MVP campaign rolls on for Baker in prime time.
Buccaneers vs Lions MNF same-game parlay
It's another week of Rachaad White getting the No.1 job, and because of his pass-catching skills, he is game-script proof and might actually have a bigger role in this game without some key receivers.
Sam LaPorta is coming off back-to-back Overs on this number and has found paydirt in back-to-back weeks. He might be option No.3 in this offense, but the setting and total have me expecting a lot of big plays.
Buccaneers vs Lions SGP
- Baker Mayfield Over 241.5 passing yards
- Rachaad White anytime touchdown
- Sam LaPorta Over 49.5 receiving yards
Our big-ticket SGP: Defense optional
Kameron Johnson could be in line for WR2 snaps on Monday night, and depending on the health of Mike Evans, could be playing the most snaps of all TB wide receivers. I love his TD price at +425. He saw more targets on fewer routes last week than Tez Johnson.
Buccaneers vs Lions SGP
- Rachaad White anytime touchdown
- Kameron Johnson anytime touchdown
- Sam LaPorta anytime touchdown
Buccaneers vs Lions odds
- Spread: Buccaneers +5.5 | Lions -5.5
- Moneyline: Buccaneers +210 | Lions -260
- Over/Under: Over 52.5 | Under 52.5
Buccaneers vs Lions betting trend to know
Baker Mayfield is 9-2 ATS on the road as a Buc. Find more NFL betting trends for Buccaneers vs. Lions.
How to watch Buccaneers vs Lions
| Location | Ford Field, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Monday, October 20, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN or ABC |
Buccaneers vs Lions latest injuries
Buccaneers vs Lions weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our live NFL weather info and learn how weather impacts NFL betting.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
