The first game on Monday Night Football pits the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) against the Detroit Lions (4-2). Here are the predictions, odds, and free expert picks for Buccaneers vs. Lions.
Buccaneers vs. Lions: Game Information
We still aren't over this play 😯 pic.twitter.com/60WusUOVLT
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 17, 2025
- 🏈 Game: Buccaneers vs. Lions
- 🗓️ Date: Oct. 20
- 🕗 Time: 7 p.m. ET
- 🏟 Location: Ford Field — Detroit, Michigan
- 📺 TV Channel: ESPN, ABC
- 💻 Live Stream: NFL+
Buccaneers vs. Lions Odds and Predictions
spooky szn pic.twitter.com/HHWfMp1jH6
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 16, 2025
What can you say that hasn’t already been said about Baker Mayfield?
If the season ended today, Mayfield would be the MVP. Mayfield threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns in the Bucs’ 30-19 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
The play of the game came when Mayfield broke multiple tackles on his third-and-long scamper to pick up the first down.
Mayfield is doing this without Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, and now Emeka Ebuka.
While Evans has a good chance of returning, Godwin, Irving, and Ebuka are expected to miss the game against the Lions.
Mayfield loves being an underdog —6-8 ATS with the Bucs.
The Lions are coming off a tough 30-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Once Jared Goff’s touchdown on fourth and goal was wiped off for a penalty, it was a bad omen for the Lions.
The Lions are missing a ton of guys on defense, but the Bucs won’t have several impact players on offense, so it’s a wash.
This is a game between two of the best offenses in football. With Mayfield under center, the Bucs can beat anyone. When the Lions get rolling inside the dome, they are hard to beat.
This is a Lions spot. Two trends work in the Lions’ favor. As a favorite with the Lions, Goff is 9-0 in primetime games. Plus, Goff is 25-10-1 ATS as a favorite with the Lions over the last three seasons.
Pick: Lions -5.5 (-115)
Buccaneers vs. Lions Prop
Mayfield has been one of the most efficient passers this year. However, Mayfield is not afraid to tuck it and run, as evidenced by last week’s impressive run.
Mayfield has rushed at least three times in five of six games.
The Lions are allowing 5.67 rushing attempts per game by opposing quarterbacks.
Pick: Baker Mayfield Over 3.5 Rushing Attempts (-105)
*Odds as of Oct. 16. Lines are subject to change. Please verify with your sportsbook before placing bets.
