Coming off a 26-20 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions will host another playoff rematch from last season when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit on Sunday. In January, the Lions edged out the Bucs 31-23 at Ford Field to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
Detroit (1-0, NFC North) will conclude their two-game home stand while Tampa Bay (1-0, NFC South) plays on the road for the first time this year. Sunday's matchup marks the 63rd meeting between the franchises as Detroit leads the series 33-29.
Buccaneers report: Tampa Bay opened the season with a convincing 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders last Sunday, spoiling Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels' debut. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield lit up the Washington secondary, completing 24-of-30 passes for 289 yards and throwing four touchdowns to receivers Mike Evans (2), Chris Godwin (1) and Jalen McMillan (1).
Tampa Bay scored on their first five possessions to build a 23-7 lead in a game they never trailed. The Commanders narrowed the deficit to 23-14 after a Daniels touchdown run, but Tampa Bay scored 14 unanswered points to put the game out of reach. The Buccaneers have started 1-0 for four consecutive seasons and are searching for their fourth straight NFC South title.
The Buccaneers' secondary took a hit on Sunday. Cornerback Bryce Hall suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula and was placed on Reserve/Injured Tuesday. As a result, the team signed cornerback Keenan Isaac, who split his 2023 rookie season between Tampa's active roster and practice squad.
Cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Josh Hayes left Sunday's game vs. Washington with a concussion and an ankle injury, respectively. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is dealing with a right foot injury. McCollum, Hayes and Winfield Jr. were all listed on Tampa Bay's injury report this week.
Last meeting: Detroit ended Tampa Bay's season in the NFC Divisional Round in January with a 31-23 victory. In a close outing that saw both teams tied at 17-17 at the end of the third quarter, Jahmyr Gibbs ran for a 31-yard touchdown and quarterback Jared Goff connected with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown on a 9-yard touchdown pass to create separation. Linebacker Derrick Barnes had the game-sealing interception on Tampa Bay's final opportunity to tie the game.
Quick hits:
1. Evans recorded his 95th and 96th touchdown receptions of his career on Sunday, surpassing Las Vegas' Davante Adams for 12th most in NFL history.
2. Detroit has won both matchups with Tampa Bay since Dan Campbell and Todd Bowles became head coach of their respective teams.
3. The Buccaneers converted 9-of-13 third downs in the win over Washington, leading the league through Week 1.
Data dive:
Stats are based on Week 1 followed by the rank.
| Team | Total Offense | Total Defense | Rushing Offense | Passing Offense | Rushing Defense | Passing Defense | Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 363 (10) | 387 (25) | 163 (7) | 217 (12) | 83 (8) | 317 (31) | 1 (T-13) |
| Buccaneers | 392 (7) | 299 (16) | 112 (17) | 289 (4) | 138 (21) | 184 (15) | 0 (T-24) |
Next on the schedule:
- Tampa Bay: vs. Denver, Sept. 22, 1:00 p.m.
- Detroit: at Arizona, Sept. 22, 4:25 p.m.
Here are five Buccaneers storylines to follow heading into Sunday afternoon's matchup:
1. Baker Mayfield: Detroit game is 'measuring stick' for Bucs
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield says Sunday's game is a big opportunity to learn where his team is at, playing an opponent that defeated Tampa Bay twice last season. READ MORE
2. Silent count in hostile territory, athleticism of Bucs' O-line | Brianna's Blitz
Wide receiver Chris Godwin talks on non-verbal communication for Sunday's matchup at Ford Field, while quarterback Baker Mayfield praises his offensive line's second-level athleticism. READ MORE
3. Todd Bowles previews upcoming matchup with Lions
During Tuesday's episode of Bucs Total Access, Tampa Bay Head Coach Todd Bowles discusses the Lions' top offensive playmakers. READ AND WATCH
4. Christian Izien going in with 'physical mindset' | Press conference
With several injuries to the secondary, Buccaneers safety Christian Izien speaks to media on the importance of being prepared to play both cornerback and safety in Sunday's game vs. the Lions. WATCH
5. Chris Godwin on upcoming matchup vs. Lions: 'We're ready' | Press conference
Tampa Bay wide receiver Chris Godwin addresses the media following Wednesday's practice, discussing the Bucs' readiness for Sunday and playing with Detroit cornerback Carlton Davis, who was traded from Tampa Bay in March. WATCH
