Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
TV: ABC, ESPN
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Spread: Lions -6 Total: 53.5
Monday Night Showdown: Banged-Up Bucs Visit Roaring Lions
The national spotlight shines on Detroit as the Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a crucial Monday Night Football matchup. The Lions, who are coming off a dominant (15-2) season and a second straight NFC North title, enter as 6-point favorites at home. They’ll face a Buccaneers team limping into Ford Field, ravaged by injuries to key players on both sides of the ball.
Why the Lions Will Cover
The Detroit Lions have established themselves as a powerhouse in the NFC, and they’ll be looking to assert their dominance at home. While not without their own injury concerns, their outlook appears far brighter than Tampa Bay’s.
The Lions’ offense is expected to be potent, though they will be missing key pieces. According to the team’s official injury report, starting offensive tackle Taylor Decker and starting safety Kerby Joseph (knee) have both been ruled out for Monday’s game. These are significant losses to the offensive line’s protection and the secondary’s command center.
However, there’s positive news on the defensive side of the ball, as reports from Friday’s practice indicated that two defensive starters were upgraded, suggesting the unit is getting healthier. With star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson eager to “destroy everything,” the Lions’ front seven will look to feast on a depleted Buccaneers offense.
Why the Buccaneers Will Struggle
The story for Tampa Bay is one of attrition. The team will travel to Detroit severely shorthanded. The Buccaneers’ final injury report on October 18th was devastating, ruling out wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr., running back Bucky Irving, defensive lineman Mike Williams, and linebacker K.J. Haggard.
The loss of Godwin is a massive blow, removing a primary weapon from the passing game. His absence is compounded by the fact that star receiver Mike Evans, linebacker Lavonte David, and receiver Emeka Egbuka were all listed as non-participants in practice earlier in the week. While they haven’t been ruled out, their effectiveness could be limited. One report noted the Bucs could be “without 5 offensive starters,” painting a grim picture for their ability to keep pace with Detroit’s high-powered offense. The defense has also taken hits, with a player named “Walker” recently being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Prediction
The injury reports tell the entire story of this game. While the Lions are missing a couple of important starters in Decker and Joseph, the Buccaneers are facing a catastrophic cluster of injuries to critical playmakers. It’s difficult to see how Tampa Bay’s offense, without Chris Godwin and a fully healthy supporting cast, can generate enough points to challenge the Lions in their own building.
The Lions’ defense, led by an aggressive front, should be able to control the line of scrimmage and pressure a Buccaneers offense that is missing its key components. Even with the Lions’ secondary missing Kerby Joseph, the Bucs may not have the offensive firepower to exploit that weakness consistently.
Expect the Lions to win and cover the 6-point spread. The Buccaneers’ injuries are simply too significant to overcome on the road against an elite NFC opponent.
Prediction: Lions 31, Buccaneers 20
Sources:
Bucs Injury Report | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Status – ESPN
Eagles-Buccaneers Injury Report Sept.26: Izien and Evans Ruled …
Eagles vs. Buccaneers Injury Report
Buccaneers Injury Report : r/buccaneers
Lions vs. Buccaneers injury report: Oct. 18
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS …
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