NFL Week 2 between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) and Detroit Lions (1-0) will kick off on Sunday afternoon. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET from Ford Field in Detroit on FOX, and the game can be streamed on YouTube TV. The Lions are favored by 7.5 points with the game total set at 51.5 points, which is the highest in Week 2.
The Buccaneers started the season hot, with their offense exploding in a dominant, 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders. Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Chris Godwin had eight catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions opened their season at Sunday Night Football and squeaked out a 26-20 overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams in a rematch of last season's playoffs. David Montgomery had 91 yards and a touchdown for Detroit on the ground, while wide receiver Jameson Williams led the way with 121 yards on five catches, plus a touchdown.
Let's get into my Buccaneers vs. Lions prediction and my NFL picks and predictions for Week 2 on Sunday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions Prediction
SPREAD
I'm passing on the spread for this game since I'm about in line with it.
MONEYLINE
I am not betting the moneyline.
TOTAL
My bet is on the under despite this being the highest total in Week 2 by about 2.5 points.
My Pick: Under 51.5
Buccaneers vs. Lions Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
| Buccaneers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -108 | 51.5 -108o / -112u | +295 |
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -112 | 51.5 -108o / -112u | -375 |
- Buccaneers vs. Lions Point Spread: Lions -7.5 | Buccaneers +7.5
- Buccaneers vs. Lions Total: Over/Under 51.5
- Buccaneers vs. Lions Moneyline: Lions -390 | Buccaneers +310
Buccaneers vs. Lions NFL Week 2 Preview, Picks
I think everyone expects a lot of points here between two offenses that have proven since the start of last season that they can put up a lot of points. There are a lot of factors here, though, that tell me this total is too high.
These teams are very slow paced. Both of these teams ranked in the top half of pace per play in Week 1. Even if they score, there’s not going to be a hurry-up offense unless the game is on the line.
Normally, the Buccaneers' defense is a blitz-heavy unit under Todd Bowles. Tampa Bay’s secondary, though, is decimated entering this game.
Wouldn’t that help the over? Not necessarily, because the Bucs may have to sit back and be less aggressive, play more cover deep and let the Lions nickel and dime their way down the field.
That is where the Lions offense thrives anyway. Detroit’s best offensive weapons are its backfield, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta, the latter two of which weren’t heavily involved in Week 1. Neither St. Brown or LaPorta are big-play threats, so I’m expecting a methodical approach from Detroit given how I think Tampa Bay will be defending.
Best Bet for Buccaneers vs. Lions
Since 2021, totals of 49 or more are 79-49 to the under. These totals tend to go under at a pretty high rate.
That’s where my bet is, despite these two offenses ranking highly last season and being capable of putting up points. Bet the under on the highest total of Week 2.
Pick: Under 51.5
Betting Trends
- 73% of bets and 40% of the money are on the Buccaneers to cover the spread.
- 64% of bets and 69% of the money are on the over.
- 86% of bets and 59% of the money on the moneyline are on the Lions.
How to Watch Buccaneers vs. Lions
| Location: | Ford Field |
| Date: | Sunday, Sept. 15 |
| Kickoff Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | FOX |
Tampa Bay vs. Detroit is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET live from Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday afternoon. The game is live on FOX and can be streamed on Youtube TV.
