This Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Detroit Lions, an offensive juggernaut that currently ranks fourth in points and fifth in total yards. While the Bucs enter the matchup as clear underdogs, a few key matchups will be instrumental in determining the final score.
In a departure from decades of futility, Detroit now boasts one of the NFL’s most complete rosters. Even a reclamation project like quarterback Jared Goff has paid dividends for a Lions team excelling at nearly every facet of the game.
The Bucs have surprised many in the NFL with their 3-1 start, but their 25-11 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 was a failed test of whether Tampa Bay could hang with the legitimate contenders in the NFC. The Lions represent a second chance to prove that the Bucs belong in the conversation.
Here are four matchups to watch during the Bucs’ Week 6 matchup with the Lions: