Detroit Lions predictions 2017: Week 14 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Detroit Jock City writers make their predictions for the Detroit Lions’ week 14 road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Each week, the Detroit Jock City staff will make their picks for that week’s Detroit Lions game with a quick take on the matchup and a final score.

Two weeks ago, it was the Detroit Lions’ dreams of a division title that were dashed. Last week, it may have been the same for the team’s wild card hopes. The Lions almost certainly have to win out to even give themselves a chance at the postseason. That’s especially true with the Atlanta Falcons already adding a win this week and holding a head-to-head advantage over the Lions by virtue of their week three win at Ford Field.

While there are scenarios swirling that are outside the Lions’ control, they have to take care of what is in their control: their own preparation and performance. Can the Lions stave off what would effectively be an early end to their season? Here is what the DJC staff sees for this week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mike Rizzo (9-3) – The Detroit Lions officially now have no margin for error as they finish up their final four games. I said last week the Lions haven’t done anything to make me believe they can run the table. Especially with Matthew Stafford hurt I don’t see the Lions beating Tampa Bay. Buccaneers 21, Lions 13

Bruce Walker (7-5) – Last week the Lions defense faced one of the worst offenses in the NFL and made that Baltimore Ravens attack look great. In this week’s contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions will play a team that is better than them offensively in three major categories: Total yards, rushing yards, and passing yards gained. I am afraid that Jameis Winston will look like a Hall of Famer by the end of Sundays game.

The only thing that gives me hope is that the Bucs rank 31st in pass defense and have achieved the fewest sacks in the NFL at 17 on the season. With the optimistic perspective that Matthew Stafford will play to his potential after getting his hand stepped on last week, the Detroit Lions have a pretty good chance of matching points with the Bucs. For the record I have confidence in the Lions players. I do not have that same confidence in their head coach.

This game is a coin flip and it should not be. The Lions have more to play for as long as they still have a shot at the playoffs and do not implode like they did at the end of last season. Lions 27, Buccaneers 24

Matt Snyder (7-5) – Lions will eat a W. Lions 27, Buccaneers 20

Matt Bosko (6-6) – If Matthew Stafford plays, and at this point it is expected that he will, I believe this will be one of his grittiest games to date. I think he will struggle, but I expect the defense to hold up enough against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to keep the Lions in this one until the end. I see the Lions possessing the ball last, and Stafford will do what Stafford does. Lions 23, Buccaneers 21

Ash Thompson (6-6) – The Lions are in a bad place in terms of playoffs, but they should be able to handle the Buccaneers. Both teams will be able to score, but as long as Matthew Stafford is on the field the Lions are the better team. In the event Jake Rudock is starting for the Lions I do not see this going the way that Lions fans might hope. We have a small sample size, but it was pretty bad. Lions 30, Buccaneers 24

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Zack Caldwell (6-6) – No pick

Zac Snyder (6-6) – It’ hard to have a great feeling about the Lions right now. The Thanksgiving loss was disappointing but understandable given how well the Vikings have been playing. What isn’t understandable is just how bad the Lions looked in losing to the Ravens last week, especially having the benefit of being on the long post-Thanksgiving week while the Ravens entered on a short week having played on Monday Night Football. I think the Lions are in for a bit of unexpected revenge this week as the Lions qualified for the playoffs while the Bucs sat home last year even though I believe the Bucs were likely a better team head-to-head. Buccaneers 27, Lions 24

Jack Ozark (5-7) – Matthew Stafford has to play in order for the Lions to win this game. Matthew Stafford will play in this game. Thus, the Lions are going to win this game. There’s the smallest chance that the Lions can still make the playoffs, so they better show up strong. The Buccaneers are in a similar spot as the Lions, as they have underperformed all season, so maybe the Lions actually can win a game easily.

The best matchup of this game is going to be Darius Slay sticking to Mike Evans. I’m sure Evans does well, but he’s not going to have a good day with big play against him. I’m going to have faith in this team forever, and yes, maybe that isn’t the smartest thing. But oh well! I’m calling a Lions win on Sunday. Lions 20, Buccaneers 17

Colton Wesley (4-8) – The Lions need to win out to make the playoffs. Every game is basically a playoff game at this point. Fortunately, their schedule begins against the Buccaneers, who are 4-8 and have not lived up to expectations this season. The Bucs rank 31st in the country against the pass and don’t have the players to matchup with the Lions’ receivers. Even if Matthew Stafford isn’t 100%, he should have a good day against this unit.

On the other side of the ball, Jameis Winston has some playmakers to throw to, but the Bucs will probably end up looking one-dimensional given their poor ground game, which means the Lions can pin their ears back and rush the passer. Lions 27, Buccaneers 17

Next: What to watch for between Lions and Ravens

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