Buccaneers Looking to Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Lions

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) will try to win their fourth straight game Sunday when they visit the skidding Detroit Lions (3-9-1) as small road favorites. The Buccaneers are 4-3 away from home both straight up and against the spread while the Lions have lost six in a row.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The point spread has dropped slightly from the Sportsbook number down to -3.5 while the total has stayed the same in early betting. Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, so both numbers could shrink more prior to kickoff.

Tampa Bay News & Notes

The loss of Evans due to a hamstring injury is a big one for the Buccaneers and especially quarterback Jameis Winston, who ranks second in the NFL in passing yards with 4,115 but has suffered a broken thumb on his throwing hand as well. Evans is currently third in the league in receiving yards with 1,157, sitting just 55 behind teammate Chris Godwin.

Winston still leads in interceptions with 23 but is tied for second with 26 touchdown passes, and it is hard to believe that his injury will not affect him negatively. Not having one of his top targets will definitely hurt him in this spot, although Detroit’s offense has averaged only 17.8 points during the team’s skid. The question is, could the Lions keep up with the Bucs in a shootout?

Detroit News & Notes

Even though Detroit has not won a game since October 27, this team has at least proven to be competitive in the last six games despite losing them all. The Lions are 1-5 ATS during that stretch, but they have been within eight points in five of them, with two of their last three losses decided by four or less.

Third-string quarterback David Blough obviously has not been the answer as Detroit’s starter the last two games. However, Blough’s play has not been the main reason the Lions have continued to lose games. He has three touchdowns and three interceptions overall and helped them cover the spread as 5.5-point home underdogs in a 24-20 loss on Thanksgiving Day. The Detroit defense must play better and can here at home.

Betting Pick: Lions +3.5

Getting more than a field goal is great value, especially with Lions head coach Matt Patricia fighting for his job. His specialty is defense, and game-planning for the most turnover-prone quarterback in the NFL will help his cause. Look for Detroit to take a stand for him and cover.